William 'Bill' Sturgeon, 85

William Surtees “Bob/Bill” Sturgeon, 85, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away May 3, 2026, at Life Care Center in Post Falls, Idaho. He was born May 9, 1940, in Nelson, British Columbia, to William and Violet (Towgood) Sturgeon, whom he loved deeply. He grew up in Nelson until 1959, when he left to attend Gonzaga University, where he received a degree in Business. His mother and father instilled in him a deep respect for hard work, service and responsibility. He began his first job at the age of 12 and held various jobs throughout his youth.

In December 1963, he married his best friend and soulmate, Susan K. Dimock, beginning an unsurpassed lifelong partnership. They stayed devoted to each other for 63 years. He relied heavily on Susan to care for his five children and run the household. (Not a small feat.)

A dedicated provider, Bill built a successful career in agricultural sales at Zellerbach Paper Company and continued working until age 80. With his wife, he created a welcoming home filled with laughter, swimming, barbecues and friendship. One of the highlights of his life was when he was given the chance to sponsor a family of Vietnamese refugees. Their children became like his own children, and brothers and sisters to us. Add to that all the neighborhood kids who were welcomed in, and there was rarely a time when his home wasn’t full of kids laughing, playing pool and swimming, even after the stars came out.

Bill loved his siblings and his hometown of Nelson, B.C. He was able to purchase some cabins with his sister, Mimi, where he spent many summers watching his grandchildren grow.

Bill was adored by everyone who met him. It was rare to go anywhere without someone recognizing him and stopping to talk. His laugh was one of his defining characteristics; full, genuine and contagious. It brought true joy to everyone around him.

Bill was a compassionate humanitarian, active in the Lions Club and in his church communities, serving others through quiet acts of generosity. He helped those in need find work, stability and dignity, and played a role in creating a Group Home for people with disabilities in Yakima, Wash. God knew that Bill Sturgeon would not ignore a person in need, so he led many to our dad.

He loved camping, lakes, toasting marshmallows around the fire and simple joys like porcupine balls, moist cake with butter frosting and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. Above all, he loved his family deeply and guided them with wisdom, strength and unwavering support. He taught us that a person’s value has nothing to do with material possessions, but the depth of their character and compassion for others. Every night while tucking us in, he filled our hearts and minds with lessons of befriending the outcast and finding the good in others.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan K. Sturgeon of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; his children, Benjamin Dimock Sturgeon of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Rose Marie (Roxy) Sturgeon Mabini and Angel Mabini of Puyallup, Wash., Bucky Dimock Sturgeon of Spokane, Wash., and Carly Anne Sturgeon Boutelle of Post Falls, Idaho. He is also survived by his brother, Joseph Sturgeon, of Seattle, Wash., and his sister, Rose Marie (Mimi) Sturgeon, of Vancouver, B.C. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Thoren Boutelle and Kelsea Ellis, Promise Boutelle, Isabella Sturgeon, Violet Sturgeon, Myles Mabini, and Robert (Bobby) Dimock Boutelle Schneider; and great-grandchildren, Talon Boutelle and Ember Boutelle.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws and his son, Robert (Bobby) Dimock Sturgeon.

Bill’s favorite song was “You Are My Sunshine,” and though he is gone from our sight, his love remains, guiding, advising and lighting the way until we meet again. He is our sunshine.

We love you, we like you, and we are proud of you.

A memorial graveside service will be held at a later date. Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of the final arrangements. You may sign Bill’s online guestbook and receive more information at yatesfuneralhomes.com.