Chad Arnold Solsvik, 48

Chad Arnold Solsvik, 48, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, finished his nearly three-year fight with colon cancer on June 2, 2018, surrounded by the love of his family and friends.

Chad was born in Coeur d’Alene on March 30, 1970, to Roy Arnold and Cheryl (Cook) Solsvik. He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1988 and attended classes at North Idaho College until he started his career with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad in 1991. There he worked as a switchman and conductor before becoming a yardmaster, where he managed trains and traffic within the railyard. Chad truly enjoyed the challenges of this position and loved the men and women with whom he worked. On Aug. 12, 2000, he married Heather Thayer, and they built a simple, happy life together with their cats and dog on Kidd Island Bay.

Chad, a fourth generation Coeur d’Alene native, loved working on and restoring cars — especially his “Smokey and the Bandit” Firebird Trans Am. Spending time on the many lakes in North Idaho was his favorite summer activity, whether skiing, swimming or just floating in the sunshine. He could often be found reading biographies of his favorite historical and public figures, from John F. Kennedy, FDR and Joe Biden, to Bill Parcells, Steve McQueen and Bret Maverick.

Chad’s moral compass centered on treating others with kindness and equality, and taking care of others as Jesus demonstrates in the New Testament. He was a lifelong fan of the Dallas Cowboys and loved to cheer on the Houston Rockets during basketball season. Anyone needing help with random trivia could count on Chad’s laser-sharp memory to come to the rescue. He was funny, light-hearted, smart, and a problem solver. Spending time with friends and family and having the most exuberant table at restaurants were some of his favorite things. He will be greatly missed by so many.

Chad was preceded in death by his mother, Cheryl; grandparents, William O. Cook (first wife, Ethel Julia and second wife, Catherine) and Roy Solsvik and Laura Bensel. He is survived by his wife, Heather; his father, Arnie; his sister, Julia LeRoy; Gino LeRoy and niece, Sarah; uncle, Allan Cook; uncle, Gale Cook; his sister-in-law, Shannon Coles and nieces, Ashleigh and Haleigh; his brother-in-law, Jesse Thayer with his wife, Jaime; niece Kayci; and nephews Zach, Shane and Aaron.

A celebration of Chad’s life is 2 p.m. Sunday, June 24, 2018, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1700 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814. In lieu of flowers or gifts please consider donating to Hospice of North Idaho, 2290 W. Prairie Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815, or www.hospiceofnorthidaho.org.

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Chad’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.