Stephen Reilly, 73

Steve passed away at his home in Post Falls, Idaho, this past Sunday. He spent Saturday tiding up in his yard, cheering on the Vandal football team and enjoying a near-perfect sunny Labor Day weekend day. He was a weather watcher and could always tell you what to expect based on his observation of the western skies from his deck. He was usually correct with his predictions. He was taking it easy, having just gotten a new heart valve at Kootenai Memorial in Coeur d'Alene the week before. Lots of you called or stopped by to see how the surgery went; thank you for your love and concerns. He was recuperating well.

We knew Steve by a variety of names, be it Steve, Cousin Steve, Uncle Steve, Ike, Reilly or Norske, one can only imagine the special and unique bond you created for just yourself and him. His giving nature touched many of you in your relationship. That small token of love or his kind gesture of friendship likely changed your day for the better. His laughable humor stayed with you as only the sweet taste of Norwegian lefse and homemade jam could. His Norwegian heritage and his family and friends were his guiding stars. You sensed that when you were around him. You enjoyed that in his many tastes, memories and firsthand stories of his travel experiences about his beloved Norway. He shared them with all of us abundantly.

Steve followed his own unique star, always pointing him to true North. Often, most of us wondered exactly which star Steve was following, but we were assured that “his” star would always lead him back to us, his family and friends, and the North Idaho that he loved so dearly. His rousing “Skol” at a welcoming gathering assured us he was back and preparing for the next adventure.

Steve leaves a proud legacy of his lifetime career in the construction trades. His many building/remodeling projects came to life under his creative and dynamic hammer. He probably built something for you or at least shared his ever-flowing opinion on how to do it or when. His life journey was marked by his hard work and unforgiving attitude to do the best he could.  

The expression of pride at the birth of his nieces and nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews was his unique way to “cornerstone” his embrace with eternity. As he gazed into their eyes, Steve communed and shared that eternal love for hope for them.

In his own spiritual way, Steve confirmed with us the path he had chosen for his life’s journey.

Steve’s departure from this earthly home came swiftly in our minds but we also knew that in his character he probably had this all planned out. Walking through Steve’s house you couldn’t help but notice the tools of his life’s trade neatly set out and arranged like a plan of action for us. He wanted all of us to know he was prepared for the walk to Valhalla, a walk that will give him everlasting peace.

Memorial services will be held Friday, Oct. 11, at 10:30 a.m. at English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St. in Post Falls. A celebration of life will be held later that day at a site to be determined soon. Please view and sign Steve's online guestbook at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sons of Norway Lodge in Steve’s memory.

Skol.