COEUR d'ALENE - Earl Kendle is one of those people persons.

You know, the kind that greets folks warmly, like he has known them since childhood, when he really just met them that moment. He's one of those that always has a kind smile and firm handshake. The type of man that everyone likes.

"I guess I love people. I really do. I get high on people," he says, grinning. "People are great. People are marvelous."

The 81-year-old laughs quietly when asked why is it, then, that there are also some who don't like people, who really, really, just don't care for getting to know them.

"I never could understand that," he says, shaking his head.

What Kendle does understand is how to lead. By example.

You can find him these days volunteering at the Lake City Community Church food bank on Wednesdays. There, he listens. And talks, too. But mostly, he listens.

People come in, are a bit down on their luck, and along with some food, could use someone to talk to. Maybe about a job. Maybe their family. Maybe some advice. They need a face who will actually look them in the eye and pay attention. Someone who really does care.

That person is Earl Kendle. This is a guy who underwent open heart surgery in May, and when given the green light, returned to being that wise mentor who likes being in the midst of the battle, like Gandolf in Lord of the Rings.

Sometimes, they have a problem and Kendle can't offer a solution. Sometimes, they do.

"They all have stories, you know," he says. "So I listen to whatever they want to talk about. That's 99 percent of it."

Kendle, a retired fisheries scientist who lives in North Idaho with wife Jann, helped open an orphanage in Mexico, too, and volunteered there until he hurt his back in 2009 .

He was also instrumental in founding Family Promise of North Idaho in 2007, which helps families facing homelessness. The nonprofit works with churches and businesses to provide a place to live, meals, and assist with employment opportunities.

Not everyone was committed for the long haul when Family Promise arose from words to reality. Kendle was.

"I could see what good it could do," he said. "The nice thing about the program is they keep everybody together."

Kendle recalls that one of the first families they helped was living out of a car.

"Was that a mess. I can't imagine doing that," he said.

He served on the Family Promise board six years, before resigning as president in March due to medical issues. He has recovered from that open heart surgery, although he admits it slowed him.

"There are days I can't do much, but I can sit and I can talk," he said.

And that's more than enough.

Just ask some of the folks who stop by Lake City Community Church food bank between 10-2 Wednesdays.

When they need a kind word, wise counsel, there's Earl Kendle.

He listens well, they say.

"I find a great deal of joy in that," Kendle said.