Our wonderful father, Victor E. Fehrnstrom, 93, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2016. He was born on Feb. 6, 1922, in Manchester, N.H., to Victor and Marion Fehrnstrom.

Vic had a long, fulfilling life. He began his life on a farm in Derry, N.H., where he enjoyed time with his brother, Ernie, and sister Marion, but was raised mostly in Boston and carried that accent forever. He served in the U.S. Air Corps during World War II and taught aircraft recognition to keep the Army, Navy and Air Force from shooting down our own planes.

After his service, he lived in California and worked for the Inglewood Police Department. He worked patrol and became a patrol Sargent, and later was a Sargent in the Detective Bureau. Vic retired in 1972 and moved with his wife, Carole and two children to Harrison, Idaho, where he farmed, logged and enjoyed his 40 acres. Years later, he moved to Blue Creek.

He moved for a short time to Prescott, Ariz., but his heart was always in Idaho, so he returned quickly. Not long after his return, he met his next wife Poppy, and became a Captain on the Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruise Boats. He loved working and/or captaining the Dancewana, the Mish-an-nock, the Kootenai, the Coeur d’Alene and his favorite, the Idaho. He enjoyed working the St. Joe River cruises, narrating tours and making sure everyone enjoyed their time on the boats. “Captain Vic,” as so many knew him, delighted passengers for almost 20 years. After he retired, he continued to live in Coeur d’Alene enjoying family and friends until his passing. He would’ve been 94 in just a few short weeks.

Vic was loving, caring, smart, brave, easy-going, charming and fun. His kindness and humor were always evident, his laughter was contagious. He loved his family deeply. He was an honorable man that was admired, was a role model to many, and someone that family and friends could always count on.

The world lost a great man. Vic will be deeply missed, but those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us every day, unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear.

He is survived by his two loving children, Vicki Fehrnstrom Montzingo of Shoreline, Wash., and Tod Fehrnstrom of Coeur d’Alene. He was very proud of his grandchildren, Peter, Andrew and Jennifer Montzingo, and Casey Fehrnstrom; and great-grandchildren, Collin Fehrnstrom and Emma Montzingo.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Victor’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.