Gary Woodson

Gary Woodson 82

1939-2021

Loving husband, dad, papa, and papa great. Gary Woodson passed away on Nov. 25, 2021, surrounded by his daughters and grandkids, Brian, Tyson and Vanessa, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He was born on April 14, 1939, to Bernard and Edythe Woodson in Menlo, Iowa. He was one of 11 children.

He enlisted in the military in 1956 at the age of 17. He was in the Navy from 1956-1960, serving on the U.S.S. Orca.

Gary met the love of his life, Diane in 1960. They were married on Dec. 11, 1960. They had two daughters. Carrie in 1962 and Denise in 1963.

He owned and operated a Shell gas station in Niles, Calif., and he also worked at the Steel Mill in Union City. The family moved to Post Falls, Idaho, in April 1973. He owned the Husky Truck Stop with his dear friend, Roy Langlitz, for several years. He then opened his own business, Gary’s Backhoe and Grading, and did that for the remainder of his life. Gary was a skilled backhoe operator. He helped his friends and neighbors often by removing snow, building driveways, putting in septics and sewers. Gary loved to take his grandkids and great-grand kids for rides in his backhoe.

Gary enjoyed spending time with his family. They were one of his greatest accomplishments. He loved to take them fishing, boating and camping up at Lake Pend Oreille with his friend, Roy Langlitz and his family. Gary went on a yearly fishing trip to catch salmon for over 30 years at Sekiu, Wash. Various friends and family would join him on these fishing trips.

Gary enjoyed having breakfast at the Falls Café for over 30 years every morning. His favorite pastime was playing Keno at the CDA Casino.

He will be greatly missed by his daughters Carrie Northcutt and Denise Vest (Tony), seven grandchildren, Brian, Desirae (Joe), Nick, Tiffany (Benito), Tyson, Anthony (Kalie) and Vanessa. 16 great grandchildren, J.J., Malakai, Mariah, Emme, Bella, Draya, Andrew, Jaxin, Adriaunna, Christopher, Aria, Elleigh, Noah, Alliyah, Tytan and Parker. He is survived by five siblings: Marcia, Rita, Jerry, Ronnie and Nancy. Gary is preceded in death by his wife, Diane, his parents and five siblings: Vince, Jane, Larry, Linda and Dick.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday December 1, 2021, and funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday December 2, 2021, at the English Funeral Chapel, 1700 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, ID.  Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at Evergreen Cemetery, 2834 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, ID.

Gary's service will be livestreamed via Facebook Live .  The livestream will start approximately 5 minutes prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donate to a Children’s Charity such as Shriners in Gary’s name.