Lewis E. Kedish, 96, of Sandpoint, Idaho passed away peacefully Friday, Dec. 20, 2019, surrounded by loved ones while holding the hand of his wife of 72 years.

A viewing will be held from 3- 8 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at the Lakeview Funeral Home, 301 S. Olive Ave in Sandpoint.

If you are wondering if you had met him you probably didn’t. Between his famous one liners and never-holding-back personality he was someone you would never forget. Even in his later years he had a zest for life that most could only admire.

Lewis was born Feb 18, 1923, in Port Townsend, Washington, to Jacob and Alice Kedish. Amongst siblings who passed in infancy; he had two brothers, Jacob and Raymond; and three sisters, May, Ella, and Alice. When Lewis was 6, the family moved to Priest Lake, Idaho. Life in Priest Lake was not easy. When Lewis was a young boy, his teacher would make him wooden skis so he could continue to travel to a one-room schoolhouse in order to complete his education during the winter months. His years in Priest Lake inspired many of his greatest stories and would always hold a special place in his heart.

At the tender age of 19, Lewis joined the Army. His time in the service was not something he spoke of often; but he was very proud to fight for his country during World War II. His time serving would take him to various countries. Of all the places he traveled, Japan quickly became his most talked about.

After the war, Lewis returned back to the Northwest. There, he met the love of his life, Emma (Piatt). After courting her with his charm, good looks, and one-of-a-kind smile they would wed on Aug. 7, 1947. Together they would raise a family of four boys and later one daughter, Gary, Dale, Duane, James and Patti.

Through his work driving trucks, Lewis and Emma would move the family to Alaska. Alaska would become one of their grandest adventures. Lewis would spend many years working in Prudhoe Bay building the Alaska Pipeline. He would become one of the first to drive a snowcat train across the frozen seas.

After many incredible adventures, Lewis officially retired in Sandpoint. Even in retirement he never lost his extraordinary work ethic and would later joke that he still was driving truck during his 90s … in his sleep.

Lewis’ love for the great outdoors was second to none. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His two greatest pleasures were elk hunting along the St. Joe River and steelhead fishing in Orofino. He very rarely missed a season. He was well known by locals for catching big fish and insisting Fish & Game rules were merely suggestions. He enjoyed these passions until the very end and his legacy will carry on by his family continuing these traditions.

The love Lewis had for his wife Emma, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was his greatest pride. He showed his loved ones daily what unconditional love and support was. Whether it was family fishing trips or sitting around the dinner table, he enjoyed spending time sharing stories and a good laugh. He loved gardening, old westerns, especially “Bonanza”, and rarely did he not have a chew in.

Lewis will be remembered as a man who overcame unbeatable odds many times. A man who was stronger than most and stubborn as a mule. Who even in his later years could out work most. He was a giant among humans. A tough man with an enormous heart that loved with his entire being. His passing leaves an impossibly large hole in the lives of his family and friends for there is no one quite like, Lewis Kedish.

Lewis was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jacob (Betty) and Raymond (Peggy); sisters, May and Ella (Bud); and his great-grandson Garrett. He leaves behind his loving wife Emma; his sons, Gary (Nora), Dale (Donna), Duane (Chris), and James (Chris); and daughter Patti; his sister, Alice; along with many, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family ask to send donations to the VFW and to live life to the fullest but to never forget the way back home.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Lewis’s online memorial at lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.