Samuel Joseph (Tator) Wilson, 62

Samuel Joseph (Joe) (Tator) Wilson, 62, passed away April 8, 2026, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Born in Colfax, Wash., on June 29, 1963, to Samuel and Lynette Wilson, Joe was the eldest sibling and the only boy among three sisters — a role that prepared him for a lifetime of leadership and looking out for others.

Joe married Lisa Caven in 1985 and they were blessed with one cherished daughter, Tristina. 

After their divorce, Joe discovered a new passion that would define the next chapter of his life: his Harley-Davidson. The open road became his sanctuary. Soon after, he met Kendra, his partner of the last 20 years.

Together, Joe and Kendra lived a fulfilling life full of adventure and generosity. Whether they were skydiving or joining countless charity rides with fellow bikers, they lived life with a "do anything" attitude. 

Joe was a true "Jack of all trades" who built his life around hard work. As a respected contractor and business owner, he left a literal mark on our community, building numerous homes in our area start to finish. He was a true craftsman.

His history of adventures and interests were varied and vast. He was a volunteer firefighter, tow truck driver, newspaper man, poker dealer, Mini-Sprint race car driver, auto body and mechanic, ordained minister and chef to name a few. 

Joe was a master of bringing people together. Whether he was leading a pack of riders or bottle feeding a baby kitten, he was a natural leader who made sure everyone felt welcome and was well fed.

Joe’s heart for service was endless; though he had a tough exterior, his heart was of gold. He would never hesitate to give his last to someone in need. He found purpose in his volunteer work. Seeing a need and doing something about it. Driving to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina, founding "Feed the Truckers" during the COVID pandemic, founding a group of the FOE Eagle Riders, delivering food to a local food bank, assisting in the startup of a local trade school and many other opportunities. He focused his efforts on caring for the underserved. His compassion even extended to the smallest among us, as he never said no to an animal in need of a home, even an evacuated tarantula. 

It is impossible to share all the amazing things he did in his life, and he will be missed more than words can say. He touched everybody’s lives and made it a point to make all those he encountered feel so important and special.  

He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, adventure and a deep love for the people around him.

With a hefty family tree and a family consisting of both blood ties and bonds formed from the heart, as far as it is wide, he is lovingly remembered by many.

He is joined in rest by his mother, Lynette, his stepfather, Ralph, along with many other loved ones throughout his life. 

A celebration of life will be held Saturday May 2, 2026, at Sandpoint Community Hall, 204 S. First Ave, Sandpoint, ID 83864.