Willard Cline

Willard Dean Cline, age 89, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 5, 2017 after a long and fulfilling life.

Willard was born on February 20, 1928 in McCloud, CA to Iva and Elzie Max Cline. Willard was an only child who grew up working and living on ranches. He graduated from high school in Bly, OR where he also played varsity basketball. Willard later joined the Navy where he spent the next 20 years traveling the world. In 1952, he met and married the love of his life, Rita (Curtis) Cline. Willard retired from the Navy on 3/29/1967 and they settled in Coeur d’Alene. Willard went on to work at Boise Cascade and then owning and operating his own construction business. Willard was a member of Saint Thomas Church and the Knights of Columbus. He thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing and could fix almost anything. In retirement, Willard was an active volunteer of the Fish and Game Department, Relay for Life, and took up the hobby of photography, for which he became quite accomplished, winning awards for his wildlife photos.

Willard was preceded in death by wife, Rita Cline; daughter in-law, Cheryl Cline and grandson, Eric Johnston. Survivors include his six children: Tim Cline, Catherine (Doug) Pratt, Joe (Janet) Cline, Barb Cureton (Leo George), Tom (Katherine) Cline, and Mary (Kevin) Cline-Stively. Twelve grandchildren: Lisa Johnston, Michelle Hill, Nicole Cline, Jeff Johnston, Emily Cline, Jesse Cureton, Kelsey Malone, Kayla Yorozu, Courtney Cline, Nicholas Cline, Hannah Stively and Ruthie Stively. Willard is also survived by his thirteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Memorial service will be held at 11:30 am on Friday, September 15, 2017 at St. Thomas Catholic Church, 919 E. Indiana Ave., Coeur d'Alene, ID. Burial will follow at St. Thomas Cemetery.

In the spirit of how Willard lived his life, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.