Ralph Byxbee, Jr.

Ralph Crawford Byxbee Jr., 71

Ralph Crawford Byxbee Jr. passed away peacefully in Coeur d’Alene surrounded by family on March 5, 2017.

Crawford was born in Los Angeles on April 23, 1945. His parents were Ralph and Blanche Byxbee. He was raised in the L.A. area with his brother, Warren, and they enjoyed riding horses and fishing as a family. After moving to North Idaho in his senior year, Crawford graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1962. Crawford met his wife, Judy Davenport, at North Idaho College, and they married on Nov. 25, 1966. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a B.S. in mechanical engineering in 1967. After college, the couple moved to the Bay area in California while Crawford worked for Lockheed. Three years later they moved back to North Idaho, which became home. Crawford worked as an engineer for a total of 40 years. In Idaho, he worked for Clare Pendar, Keytronics and Advanced Input Devices, as well as being a consultant for the last seven years of his career.

Crawford developed a love for all things mechanical at a young age. He owned many motorcycles, boats and cars throughout his life, and loved to fix up old hot rods as a hobby with his friends. He loved North Idaho, and enjoyed camping trips with his family and friends. Most of all, he enjoyed raising and spending time with his daughters, of whom he was very proud.

Crawford is survived by his wife of 50 years, Judy; his two daughters, Misha Smith and husband Chad of Boise, and Whitney Byxbee and husband Ryan Nisbet of Seattle. His grandchildren include Bryson and Kendall Smith, and Maizey and Miller Nisbet. His brother, Warren Byxbee, lives in Spokane with his wife, Laury.

A celebration of Crawford’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2017, at the Jacklin Arts and Cultural Center, 405 N. William St., Post Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of North Idaho.