Rev. George Lowell Lacy, 86, of Hayden, Idaho, entered his eternal home Dec. 21, 2022, peacefully surrounded by family after a brief illness. He was born in Fresno, Calif., to J.P. and Eva Lacy on Oct. 23, 1936. George was the oldest of three siblings. In 1954, he graduated from Fresno High School, where he enjoyed singing in the Glee Club. Lacy helped build the family cabin at Hume Lake Conference Center. The beach and boardwalk at Santa Cruz was a favorite family gathering place.

George graduated from Fresno State University in Fresno, Calif., with a bachelor of arts degree in elementary education. He taught a combination fifth and sixth grade for one year before moving to Berkeley, Calif., to complete four years of seminary at Pacific School of Religion and American Baptist Seminary of the West, where he earned his master's of divinity degree.

On Sept. 6, 1959, Lacy married E. Kathryn (Kay) Bergman Lacy two days before beginning seminary. Together, they built a wonderful life focused on love, family and their shared faith. Their children, Kevin Lowell, Mark Joseph and Kristin Marie, made their lives complete, but they also nurtured a number of foster children during their years in Phoenix, Ariz., and Long Beach, Wash. As they served churches, they moved their home from Berkeley, Calif., to Redlands, Calif.; Phoenix, Ariz.; San Leandro, Calif.; Long Beach, Wash.; Coeur d’Alene and Hayden, Idaho. Throughout his life, Christian faith provided a strong foundation and guiding light. From teenage years on, George frequently taught Adult Sunday School, sang in church choirs, and served on boards and committees to strengthen congregations. Serving others was his passion in Congregational (UCC), Presbyterian and Lutheran congregations.

George’s interests were varied and included traveling, reading, gardening and developing lasting friendships. He had a gift for designing and constructing banners highlighting the colors and seasons of the church year. His banners enrich worship in sanctuaries across the west coast where he served.

His parents have preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife, Kay Lacy; three children and their spouses: Kevin and Lisa, Mark and Kathryn, Kristin and Tim; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; brother Donald (Elaine) Lacy; sister Sharon (Rob) Paulin; two nieces and two nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church, 521 E. Lakeside Ave. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83814. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lutherhaven at www.lutherhaven.com/giving

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Please visit Lacy’s online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.