David Earl Lyda

David Earl Lyda, “Dave” -  age 72

Dave proceeded from this present life and entered heaven on April 26, 2024, at Schneidmiller Hospice House in Hayden.

He was born to Marjorie and Earl Lyda in Cottonwood, ID in 1952, joining brother, John, followed by a sister, Joan. He resided in Cottonwood until entering the military after high school.

He excelled in sports through high school, playing point guard in basketball, #35, and quarterback in football, jersey #10.  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 and raquetball.  He enjoyed hunting deer and elk, and turkey for many years. He shot skeet and trap, enjoyed snowmobiling, and in his later years, wood carving, four wheeling but fishing always. He made three week-long fishing trips with various friends to Canada: Loutit Lake, B.C. in 1990 and 1994, and Prince of Wales Island in 2004. 

His deep orange 1969 GTO Judge was the favorite of all his vehicles, and second favorites were his pickup trucks.

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 US 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 in the Phillipines, that he experienced the highlight of his service which was when the POWs who had been held in North Viet Nam 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, CA, 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 49^th year, with love, respect and devotion. 

Dave kept a quote by Andy Stanley, in his favorite devotional book that says, “Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do but someone you raise.” He considered his greatest achievement to be his son, Jared.  Jared comments that he always knew he was loved by his dad.  “Hugs” and “I love you” were spoken in abundance to him and to his children.

From a stint in the Forest Service fighting fires and planting trees to driving semi-trucks, and delivering propane and then 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 WA), 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 in Jesus Christ have been fully realized, and Dave is more alive today than ever before as he rejoices in the presence of Jesus for eternity.  

Any who knew him are welcome to attend his Celebration of Life on Thursday, May 23rd at 11:00am at the Real Life Ministries Hayden Hub, 9485 N. Maple, Hayden, ID.