David (Dave) Earl Lyda, 72

Dave proceeded from this present life and entered heaven April 26, 2024, at Schneidmiller Hospice House after a lengthy illness.

He was born to Marjorie and Earl Lyda in Cottonwood, Idaho, in 1952, joining a brother, John, followed by a sister, Joan. He excelled in sports through high school, playing point guard in basketball and quarterback in football. His love of all things sports continued throughout his life: Basketball (go Zags!), softball (third base for the Church of the Nazarene League through the '70s and '80s), volleyball, skeet and trap, snowmobiling and, in his later years, wood carving, four-wheeling and fishing always. He made several week-long fishing trips to Canada: Loutit Lake, B.C., and Prince of Wales Island. He loved his deep orange 1969 GTO Judge and his pickup trucks over the years.

Before joining the Air Force, Dave surrendered his life to Jesus Christ at the family kitchen table, a strong commitment lasting his lifetime. Dave joined the U.S. Air Force in 1972 for a four-year tour as an air cargo specialist loading and unloading cargo planes. He loved the flight line. It was at Clark AFB that he experienced the highlight of his service which was when the POWs who had been held in North Vietnam were airlifted out. There were about 50 men. It was February or March of 1973. He was on the flight line that day about an arm’s length from the men who were filing onto the plane to return home. The men were skin and bones, pale as a piece of white paper, and frail-looking, but they had huge smiles on their faces. It was quite an emotional experience for Dave.

It was in Sacramento, Calif., the last year of his tour, that he met his future wife, Jenifer. He sat behind her in church and dreamed of kissing her neck one day. They married within nine weeks of their first date and made it through their 49th year with love, respect, and devotion. 

His greatest achievement is his son, Jared. Jared says he always knew he was loved by Dave. “Hugs” and “I love you” were spoken in abundance by his dad. 

From a stint in the Forest Service fighting fires and planting trees to driving semi-trucks and delivering propane and cabinets to owning and operating North Idaho Trophy Co. for 40 years, he served the community with integrity.

He is survived by his wife, Jenifer, son Jared (Meredith) and four grandchildren, the lights of his life: Gideon, Elyse, Chandler Grace and Jenny; sister Joan (Larry) Biggerstaff (Spokane, Wash.); and brother John (Jeannine) Lyda (Buffalo, Mo.) as well as loved nephews and their families and his many cousins. We will miss Dave dearly.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Heb 11:1) Dave’s faith and hope have been fully realized, and he is more alive today than ever as he rejoices in the presence of Jesus for eternity. 

Anyone who knew him is welcome to attend his celebration of life Thursday, May 23, at 11 a.m. at the Real Life Ministries Hayden Hub, 9485 N. Maple, Hayden, ID. 

Visit Dave's memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.