Long time resident of North Idaho and family patriarch, Ernest Jasper “Jack” Cardwell, passed away in his home on April 19, 2013, surrounded by several members of his loving family.

Jack, who was born on July 11, 1926, in St. Maries is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Cardwell; son Pat Cardwell; daughter Susan Cardwell-Serna and his brother, Larry Cardwell. He also has a large extended family including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Jack attended grade school at Setters and Wallace as well as high school in St. Maries. He worked since the age of 8 years old, looking for any odd jobs to earn extra money for his family. During the Depression, one of his jobs was working in local logging camps. He was on the school boxing team, boxed undefeated in Golden Gloves and excelled as a football letterman. He never forgot his friends and often recalled the good times of his school days.

Jack proudly served in the United States Navy on board The USS Burleigh during World War II, driving amphibious landing craft “Higgins Boats” in the Pacific Theater. Remaining true to his Pacific Northwest roots, he settled in the Coeur d’Alene area with his family where he opened Cardwell’s 2nd Hand Store and Antique Shop and eventually Cardwell’s Auction, which was a thriving family business for several years.

Looking back on his long, exciting and sometimes adventurous life, Jack was most proud of his family. He was a private, caring man who found great joy in helping his loved ones any way he could and watching them succeed in life’s endeavors. Jack, with his cherished wife Betty, were not only loved and respected by family and friends, but shared the kind of unconditional love that truly lasted a lifetime.

Family and friends are invited to an informal memorial service and military honor ceremony at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2013, at the American Legion Hall in Post Falls to share thoughts and memories, and to honor the life of this extraordinary man.