Duane Jacklin's generosity toward community efforts will be felt forever.

Jacklin, whose name is synonymous with the region's grass seed roots, economic development and giving in Kootenai County, died Thursday morning at Kootenai Health. He was 72.

Tom Stoeser, president and CEO of Riverbend Commerce Park in Post Falls, which Jacklin owned with brothers Don and Doyle, said Jacklin died of heart failure.

"He was an extremely generous man who supported so many efforts throughout Kootenai County," Stoeser said. "He was special and will be missed."

Jacklin and his wife, Susan, were the driving forces who led the restoration of the former Old Church in Post Falls into the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center.

"On behalf of the entire Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center board of directors, we extend our thoughts and prayers to Mr. Jacklin’s wife, Susan, their son, Taggart Jacklin, and the entire family," said Theresa MacLennan, JACC executive director.

"Mr. Jacklin was a tremendous influence in the Post Falls business community and throughout the state. He was an integral partner with Susan in restoring and developing the JACC — one of his many generous contributions. We are grateful for knowing he made our community and world a better place."

The Jacklin brothers received the Bob Potter Legacy Award during last year's Jobs Plus annual meeting highlighting economic development efforts. The brothers graduated from Washington State University, served in the Navy, in executive leadership roles with Jacklin Seed Co. and as partners in land and investment companies. They also participated on several community boards.

"Duane Jacklin is a pioneer in economic development for our community," said Steve Griffitts, Hayden’s mayor and former Jobs Plus leader. "We are so grateful for his selfless investment and helping so many families. He and Susan have touched so many lives in the community for so many years. If it wasn't for the Jacklin brothers, businesses such as Buck Knives would not be here."

The brothers were among the original seven investors in Jobs Plus.

Post Falls Mayor Ron Jacobson said he admired how the brothers remained tight-knit. That was evident when they were honored with the Hometown Hero Award during the Inland Northwest Partners' economic development recognition ceremony in 2015.

"They ribbed each other, but you could tell that they are a close family," Jacobson said.

When Jacobson golfed with the brothers several years ago, they teased that divots shouldn’t be replaced — because that supports the grass seed industry they were a part of.

The Jacklins grew the family business, started by their grandparents in 1935, into one of the largest grass-growing businesses in the nation with international markets and as many as 200 employees.

Riverbend Commerce Park has 1.2 million square feet of buildings, 1,300 jobs created by companies that have relocated or expanded, $50 million in annual payroll and $4 million in annual property taxes.

The brothers in 2015 made a land donation in Riverbend toward the future North Idaho veterans home.

"They are the epitome of generosity and philanthropy," Jacobson said. "They're huge supporters of the community, huge supporters of economic development."

Jamé Davis, Post Falls Chamber of Commerce's CEO, said Jacklin's investment in the community is felt all over.

"Duane Jacklin's impact in the community of Post Falls is immeasurable," Davis said. "Everywhere you look, the Jacklin family's thumbprint is there. The legacy that he leaves behind is remarkable. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Jacklin family during this time of loss."

Jacklin was also a managing partner of Jacklin Land Co. on Post Falls' west side, chairman of the Idaho Community Foundation and active in Boy Scouts.

During the Jobs Plus meeting, Idaho Lt. Gov. Brad Little said innovation and leadership come to mind when describing Duane and his brothers.

"They are an anchor family in the state that has made a big difference," Little said.