John Lee Charbonneau, 69, of Post Falls, passed away peacefully in his sleep, in the arms of his loving wife, Margie, on Dec. 19, 2011.

John was born May 21, 1942, in Douglas, Ariz., to Herbert and Mildred Charbonneau. Mildred remarried when John was a young boy and his stepfather/dad, Robert (Bob) Muse, sat John on a horse and a cowboy was born. His formative years spent living on and working side by side with this dad on ranches in the Douglas and surrounding areas.

When Jon was a teenager, the family moved to Prescott, Ariz., where he attended and graduated from Prescott High School, Class of 1960. After high school, John's love for horses and "the cowboy way" led him to the rodeo circuit where he spent several years riding bareback, team roping and his favorite... bull riding. Realizing it was a hard way to make a living, 1968 to 1979, he went to work for the Yavapai County Sheriff's Office.

In 1968, the pride of his life was welcomed in to his world, his son, Robert (Bob) Charbonneau. In 1982, John ventured north to Alaska and went to work as an investigator for the State of Alaska Alcohol Beverage Control Board. He retired in 1999 and in 2000, he and his family relocated to Post Falls. He enjoyed his retirement years playing golf ("cow pasture pool") with his buddies and being a "Jack of all Trades." John got the most enjoyment from selflessly helping his family and friends with handyman projects. He was a member of the Hayden Lake Eagles, Aerie No. 4080 and the Coeur d'Alene Elks Lodge No. 1254.

John is survived by his wife, Margie; son Robert (Bob) Charbonneau of Post Falls; daughter Jennifer Palmer of Knoxville, Tenn.; and former daughter-in-law Dena Charbonneau of Post Falls. Three wonderful grandchildren, Dorinda Charbonneau of Anchorage, Alaska, Dylan Charbonneau of Post Falls and Blake Watson of Knoxville, Tenn. He is also survived by numerous relatives and cherished friends.

John fought a yearlong battle with brain cancer with awe inspiring courage and his amazing sense of humor. He will be missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

A life celebration party will be held on behalf of John at a later date. Bell Tower Funeral Home, Post Falls, is in care of the arrangements. Please visit John's online memorial page at www.belltowerfuneralhome.com.