Elton Hibbard

Elton John Hibbard was born June 23, 1924. His parents were Ernie and Daisy (Fisher) Hibbard. Elton John, later shortened to EJ, was not quite as well-known as Elton John, the song stylist and artist, but he was an entertainer. He and his wife, Bertie, entertained at retirement homes for 25 to 30 years. When people at the homes were asked if they knew Elton and Bertie, their response would be a smile. Bertie was the musician, but Elton was the entertainer.

EJ was born in Coeur d’Alene but left at an early age with his parents as his dad found work out of Coeur d’Alene. His first three years of school were in Potlatch, Idaho, where he lived on a farm. That was the introduction to a work ethic that he maintained throughout his life. Those were the days of the Great Depression, and everyone worked or did without. EJ attended a country school with four grades to a room and rode a horse to get there…no car, bus and no online classes.

1933 brought another move and brought him back to Coeur d’Alene. At that time, he took an interest in athletics and started to realize girls were people too. He attended Coeur d’Alene High School where he was on the football team and excelled as a pitcher for the baseball team. He graduated from high school in 1942 and answered the call to serve his country. He spent three years in the Navy which included time in Africa.

He was discharged in 1946 and came home to meet the love of his life, Roberta Rowell. They were married in October 1946 and had 69 plus years together. EJ and Bertie had three children: Barbara, Bonnie and Daniel. All attended Coeur d’Alene public schools.

All of his life EJ was a baseball fan. His first hero was Dizzy Dean, who pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals. For several years, EJ played and pitched for the Coeur d’Alene town team, “The Lakesiders.”

After his discharge from the service, EJ went to work at the Atlas Tie Company, which later became Idaho Forest Industries. His work ethic and ambition paid off, as he spent numerous hours learning to be a sawyer. No, there was no pay for on the job learning, and he did it on his own time. When the previous sawyer retired, EJ got the job. He spent 40 years sawing logs.

EJ loved life. It was often said that he was bigger than life. He loved to dance, was a good singer and made everyone his friend. In younger years, he was also an outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing and hunting; although, it was the comradery he enjoyed with his friends more than the hunt. Which just as well, because he was not a marksman!

So, EJ lived his life as a healthy, happy and productive citizen. To quote him, “Life goes by every day. It’s not something you can save up to use later.” He will be missed.

Preceeded in death by: son Daniel Hibbard; daughter Barbara Workman; granddaughter Lisa Weyher and brother Bill Hibbard.

He is survived by his wife, Bertie of Post Falls; daughter Bonnie Weyher of Spokane, Wash.; daughter-in-law Margaret Hibbard of Post Falls; brother Sam Hibbard of Post Falls; nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Wednessday, July 27, 2016, at English Funeral Chapel in Post Falls, followed by graveside service at 1 p.m. at Evergreen Cemetery in Post Falls.