Howard Lancaster

Howard Lancaster, longtime resident of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed on July 9, 2016. Howard was born in Yakima, Wash., on July 2, 1928. He grew up in Selah, Wash., son of Ada and Paul Lancaster, brother of Lowell Lancaster.

On June 11, 1949, Howard married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Rhynard, also of Selah. Following veterinary college, Howard entered the United States Army, where he was stationed at Fort McArthur, San Pedro, Calif. There Howard and Beverly’s first child, Brad, was born. While subsequently stationed at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., Howard and Beverly’s second child, Karen (now, Sayler) was born.

Following honorable discharge as a first lieutenant, Howard and Beverly located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where Howard and Beverly’s third child, Jill (now Schmidt), was born. Howard became a partner at Sunset Animal Clinic, working as a large and small animal veterinarian for 26 years. Howard later built and operated Lancaster Veterinary Hospital in Coeur d’Alene, from which Howard retired in 1991.

He and Beverly raised their three children and built a network of much-valued friends. Howard was past president (1981-82) of the Rotary Club of Coeur d’Alene, which club he joined in 1972. Howard and Beverly enjoyed traveling together. Beverly Lancaster predeceased Howard on Jan. 13, 2015.

Howard is survived by his son, Brad Lancaster, and daughter-in-law Kim Lancaster; his daughter, Karen Sayler, and son-in-law Jon Sayler; his daughter, Jill Schmidt, and son-in-law Dolan Schmidt; as well as granddaughter, Sally Schmidt. Howard is also survived by his brother, Lowell Lancaster; and his sister-in-law, Bernadette Lancaster, and their children.

At Howard’s request, there will be no memorial service. If one wishes to give to a charity of Howard’s choice, please donate to Life Care Center of Post Falls, which provided excellent care for Howard during his last illness.