Donald Herman Eich

Donald Herman Eich, 83, beloved husband, father and grandfather passed away at his home in Sagle on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2013. Private family services will be held at a later time. Donald was born Nov. 6, 1930 in Canova, South Dakota the son of Herman and Mabel Eich. He moved with his family to the Cocolalla area in 1935 where he was raised on a ranch with his brothers and sisters. He attended school at the Cocolalla School and graduated high school in Sandpoint. He lived in Montana for a few years working on ranches until being inducted into the U.S. Army in 1952. He served during the Korean Conflict, was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, and was discharged in 1954. He then returned to Montana and again worked on various ranches and while there met Sylvia and they were married on August 19, 1956 in Butte, MT. In 1964, with his family, he returned to his roots in Cocolalla purchasing a ranch there. Don worked as a boiler operator at Pack River Lumber which later became W.I. Lumber. He worked there until his retirement in 1992. However throughout his working life he ran his ranch, lovingly called stump ranch. His hobby was his beloved ranch. He was an ardent history buff. He enjoyed reading and discussing anything historical. He enjoyed roping, horses and hunting. However the greatest joy in his life was his family. He thoroughly and devotedly cared for his family. He was extremely proud of his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Sylvia of Sagle; 2 children: Tamara (Dennis) Palaniuk of Elmira, ID; Barbie (Alvin) Hunt of Cocolalla; 6 grandchildren: Ryan, Trevor (Katie), Cody, Levi (Kimberley), Tyler, and Desiree; his siblings: Lois (Clarence) Davis of Sagle, Gayle Wemhoff of St. Maries, Glen Eich of Cocolalla, Dean (Dorothy) Eich of Sagle, Gary (Carol) Eich of Selle; and numerous nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother-in-law: John Wemhoff, and 1 sister-in-law: Alice Eich.