John F. Thaxter, 66

John F. Thaxter, age 66, of Athol, ID., lost his battle with cancer on Oct. 7, 2013. John was born on Jan. 1, 1947, the son of Floyd & Gayle (Poirier) Thaxter. He was an Idaho native, and called North Idaho home. John served 4 yrs. in the Navy during the Vietnam conflict. After the Navy, John held various jobs, but most recently was a contractor for the Postal Service, delivering mail by boat to residents on the east side of Lake Pend Oreille. He held that position from 1995 - 2012 when serious health issues forced him to retire. John was a volunteer firefighter in Post Falls during the early 1970’s. He was also a member of the American Legion. John was an avid hunter and fisherman and also enjoyed gold prospecting. He loved nature, and said if he wanted to go to church or talk to God, he would go out on the porch and watch the sunrise. John was devoted to his wife, Cathy, and cherished the time spent with his children and grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Cathy, daughter Denise (Kyle) Kennedy, sons Christopher (Karla) Thaxter, and Benjamin (Emily) Dillon, his mother Gayle Thaxter, sisters Jackie Liberty, Vickie (Johnny) Miles, brother Steven Thaxter, 10 grandchildren, best friend & hunting partner, Dwain (Paula) Scott, special nephew Randy (Nelly) Vander Kolk, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Floyd Thaxter and son Ken Clarke. At his request, no funeral will be held. An open house will be held at the Thaxter residence on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013, from 2-4pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in John’s name be made to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, ID, 83835. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit John’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com