Lester R. Garretson, 90, resident of Coeur d'Alene, passed away on March 10, 2013, at the Hospice of North Idaho Hospice House in Coeur d'Alene.

He was born Dec. 7, 1922, of Quaker parents Lester E. and Elsie A. Garretson in Whittier, Calif. He grew up in LaHabra, Calif., where he attended grammar school and later graduated from Whittier High School in 1940. After serving a year in the Civilians Conservation Corps he worked his way through Fullerton Junior College. This was followed by a few years working in the aircraft industry and then serving enough time for Uncle Sam in the U.S. Army to complete his formal education under the G. I. Bill at the University of California in Berkeley with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering in 1949. He then worked in Southern California in the telephone business for GTE and various engineering positions for 36-plus years until he retired in 1987. He met the love of his life, Brenta Russell, during this period of time and married her in early 1956. Their Golden Wedding Anniversary was celebrated in Coeur d'Alene, where they moved in 1994.

Lester always enjoyed the outdoors and he and his family spent nearly every vacation camping, fishing and traveling. He also enjoyed gardening, growing his own vegetables, fruits and flowers. Although not adept at any sport, he enjoyed spectating most sports either in person or watching on TV. He particularly enjoyed bowling and most card games, but in recent years playing Bridge was his specialty.

Lester was preceded in death by his wife, Brenta, in 2007; his daughter, Lisa Garretson and youngest brother, Loren Garretson.

He is survived by his son, Paul Garretson of Thousand Oaks, Calif.; brothers, Eldon Garretson of San Diego, Calif., Evan Garretson of Buena Park, Calif., and Roger Garretson of Oak Park, Calif.; sister Lotus Huebler of Canon City, Colo.; and four grandchildren.

His last few years he made many friends enjoying life at Bestland Retirement Facility in Coeur d'Alene.

Private family services will be held in Idaho and additional services will be held in Thousand Oaks.

English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d'Alene, has been entrusted to handle final arrangements. Please visit Lester's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.