Don Johnston.  

John Adams. 

Marge Chadderdon. 

“Those are like the stalwarts of the community,” said Sandy Emerson, who led the Coeur d'Alene chamber in the 1980s.

All three died recently and all had a significant impact on North Idaho. They were known for their fairness, honesty and dedication. Their impact cannot be overlooked, said Emerson, who knew each of them.

“They had a big influence. They were a solid core of Coeur d’Alene,” Emerson said. 

Historian and past legislator Don Pischner also knew Johnston, Adams and Chadderdon. He said each represented the best of North Idaho in a time when it needed direction.

“It’s tough to lose all these people,” he said. “Each was a big part of North Idaho and how it is today.” 

Johnston was 97 when he passed away last week. He served in the Army, was Coeur d’Alene’s mayor from 1977 to 1981, served on the City Council and owned and managed several buildings in downtown Coeur d’Alene with his brother, Bob. He was known for giving back to the community and making a positive difference. 

John Adams was 86 when he died on April 24. He began working with his father, Jack Adams, at the family business, Coeur d’Alene Tractor, when he was a young man. He later served as president and CEO of Coeur d’Alene Tractor and, along with his brother Wally, guided the company to its successful position today, with five Adams Tractor stores. He was president of the Coeur d’Alene Airport Board for 25 years and was the Coeur d’Alene Regional Chamber’s 2023 Citizen of the Year. John Adams was also known for his philanthropy. 

Marge Chadderdon died early this week at the age of 88. She was first elected in 2004 and served eight years in the state House, representing District 4, which primarily includes Coeur d’Alene. She was known for her work to reduce taxes, boost education, fund transportation projects, and introduce more technology into public schools. She also served on the Fernan City Council in the 1980s.  

Sandi Bloem, who served as Coeur d’Alene’s mayor for three terms after being elected in 2001, said the deaths of three people so close together who contributed so much to the area were “overwhelming.” 

“It saddens me. They definitely were important stalwarts in our community,” Bloem said. “During those years, they had a great impact on this place we call home.” 

Bloem said one of her biggest concerns is that Coeur d’Alene is growing so fast, with so many new people, “it’s even more important than before to make sure people understand how we got to this place.” 

She said Johnston, Adams and Chadderdon were the type of people who got along well with others and worked with them, even if they had political differences. 

“I think politics was much more civil at that time,” she said. “People who sat on different sides of the aisle could be best friends.” 

Bloem said Johnston “had a real heart for what the city should look like. Most importantly, he cared about people. I looked at Don as my big brother. He was a good man.” 

She said Chadderdon “was a leader for women in our community and not afraid to step forward and do what she could. She set an example for any that came along behind her.” 

Bloem and Adams both attended Coeur d’Alene High School. 

“He had a way of making anyone that was around him feel good, feel better, feel recognized,” she said. “You always felt good in his presence.” 

John’s brother, Wally Adams, said they worked together as boys and their partnership continued for a lifetime.

“He was my best friend for 84 years,” he said. 

Wally said John was “honest to the core. 

“If John said it, you could take it to the bank.” 

Emerson said the passing of Adams, Johnston and Chadderdon led him to reflect on their roles and how they helped shape Coeur d'Alene.

“They are the roots of where we came from," he said.

Bloem said that by looking at the lives of the trio, one can gain understanding of how Coeur d'Alene came to be what it is today.

"The kind of people they were helps explain why we are who we are," she said.

    Johnston