Gordon Cofield, 87

With a long life full of many memories, Gordon Cofield, 87, went to be with Jesus, his Savior, on Dec. 13, 2017, at North Star Retirement Community in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. While our hearts are sad to lose Papa, we know that he is in heaven getting ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus with Mom.

Gordon Roy Cofield was born in Wainwright, Alberta, Canada, on April 5, 1930, to Ethel (Burnell) and Harold Cofield. Growing up in the Depression made life difficult, but Gordon was determined to succeed. It was necessary for him to leave school early to help support the family. He worked on a farm with the same high work ethic he always maintained. Later, Gordon received a certificate in auto body repair.

Gord met the love of his life, Lexena MacRae, while visiting a sick friend at the hospital in Wainwright where she worked as a nurse. After they were married on June 4, 1954, in Entwistle Alberta, they lived in Edmonton before moving to Spokane, Wash. in 1956. Gordon started Cofield Bros Auto Body with his brother, Glenn, in Coeur d’Alene, and made life-long relationships in the community. Since Gordon was a very social person, he was well known in the area.

Gordon (GR) and Lex were blessed with three children, Wayne, Debbie and Darla. They encouraged their kids to pursue their dreams and have faith in Jesus as their personal Savior. They taught the kids strong work ethics and the importance of family. Through the years, family vacations to Hawaii and Palm Springs were his favorite, along with camping excursions and trips to visit Canadian relatives.

The Cofields built a home in Coeur d’Alene that was considered to be far from town. However, their home was a frequent gathering spot for all and an invitation was never required. They hosted many family gatherings and celebrations.

GR had a great passion for many things including flying his airplane, golfing, bowling, curling, antique cars, hockey, snow skiing, cribbage and the weekly Christian Jubilee. As members of Bethel Baptist Church for over 50 years, they met many of their closest friends there. He loved being involved with his grandchildren’s activities and loved to go out for “chow” with family and friends.

Lex was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) shortly after Darla was born. Even though it was a difficult disease, Gordon was ever faithful and supportive of her, and thought she was more beautiful with every passing year.

Gordon was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lex, in 2008 and siblings, Clarence, Beatrice, Doris, Marge, Glenn and Gerald. He is survived by his brother, Howard of Wainwright; children, Wayne (Eve) Cofield, Debbie (Stan) Curless and Darla (Randy) Pavlish; sister-in-law, Donna Cofield; grandchildren, Drake Bowers (21), Kendra Cofield (19), Brooke Bowers (18) and MaKenna Curless (13) and also many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gordon touched many lives through church, business, and golf. He loved his family and friends dearly and was always happy to have visitors. He had a great sense of humor, loved to tease others and took teasing pretty well too.

Friends and family are invited to attend a viewing from 4 to 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 21, 2017, at English Funeral Chapel, Coeur d’Alene, and a celebration of life service at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 22, at Lake City Church, 6000 N. Ramsey Road, Coeur d’Alene, with a lunch reception to follow.

Special thanks to North Star Retirement Community and Hospice for their kind care of Papa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Spokane, Washington. Condolences may be offered at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.