Ivan Sleight, 93

Ivan Sleight, 93, of Dalton Gardens, Idaho, passed away at home on Aug. 28, 2017. His parents were Richard S. Sleight and Laura Hunsaker Sleight. He was born at home in Paris, Idaho, on July 9, 1924.

Ivan was taught to work at an early age. He loved to be busy, loved to laugh, loved others and was always thankful for the blessings he received. He never really retired, but continued to be active in the work that provided a living for his family until the end.

He was born of Godly parents who loved the Lord and taught their children to be good and responsible, honest in their dealings with others and a love for being busy. He loved to work. They all loved to laugh, to work hard to make a living and to enjoy serving others. They loved to be together. His parents helped their children start a “Sleight’s Cash Store” in Georgetown, Geneva, and Liberty, Idaho. Ivan’s dad was innovative enough to create their own currency to trade during the Great Depression.

Ivan served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. He said, “I’ve visited more countries than states.” While he was on leave he met his sweetheart, Hazel M. Robinson. They were married in Georgetown, Idaho, on Dec. 16, 1944, by his father, Richard S. Sleight at 4 p.m. He attended college to become an airplane mechanic. After graduating, he moved his family to Renton, Wash., where he worked at Boeing. While working as a mechanic, he became bored and leased a Shell gas station in Renton. This new adventure began a lifetime love of service stations. His legacy lives on.

Ivan started North Idaho’s first self-serve gas station in Spirit Lake, Idaho. Thanks to his good friend, Ruel Call, he opened a station in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, named “Maverik” which he and his brother, Theron, built across from the fairgrounds. Later he changed the name to “HICO” (Hazel and Ivan Company).

Ivan didn’t have hobbies. He loved to work and to be with his family and to help others. He was fortunate to have lifelong friends — Terry and Carole, Tom and Carol, and Tom and Sharon.

Ivan and Hazel lost their first child, Ivan Jr., at birth in 1955. In 1960, they adopted a son, Mardy, who passed in 2006. The great love of his life, Hazel, passed in 2013.

He is loved by his daughter, Jackie and her husband Elden Goodwin of Rathdrum, Idaho; his grandchildren, Lisa and Steve Gay, Tracie and Frank Smidt, and Jamie and Michael Woods; and his great-grandchildren, Ashlee, Zachary, Cassidee, Caden, Colton, Ella and Eric. Ivan “aka the Candy Man” loved to sugar up the kids and send them home.

Ivan was able to help support several young men on their missions for the LDS church and would smile to know that he had been able to encourage others to contribute to the LDS mission fund. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Missionary Fund.

A special thanks to those of North Idaho Hospice Schneidmiller House for their loving care.

A viewing was held Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017, at Yates Funeral Home. Coeur d’Alene Chapel, 744 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene. A graveside service will be held Saturday, Sept. 2, 2017, at the Paris Cemetery in Paris.

Please visit Ivan’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.