Esther Eileen Park

Esther Eileen Park, age 83, passed away on Friday, November 9, 2018 at Kootenai Medical Center.  At Esther’s request, there will be no memorial service. If you would like to remember Esther, donations can be made to Sanctuary Seconds (the “Kitty Cat Place”) or Panhandle Animal Shelter.

Esther was born June 7, 1935 in Tigard, Oregon to Ervin D Rickman and Reta E Bushnell.  She was the youngest of their four children.   When Esther was just ten years old, her mother passed away and her father married Alice Burke.  From that union came Esther’s baby brother Dick whom she loved dearly.

Esther spent her childhood in Portland, Oregon and then lived in Whittier, CA and Post Falls, ID.  Esther met and married husband Terry Park in 1961, and they settled in Sandpoint, ID.  Esther, along with Terry, managed the Sprouse-Reitz in Sandpoint for many years.  She then worked in food services at Sandpoint High School from 1991 until her retirement in 2008.

Esther is now and forever cherished by her five children -- Linda Sears, Paulette (John) Moe, Kathy Wiley, Susan (Bart) Bennett and Patrick (Melinda) Park.  She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren (with one on the way) and her beloved dog, Laddie.  Esther is preceded in death by her husband, Terry, a grandson, Sven, and two siblings.

Esther loved the outdoors and tending her beautiful garden. When not outside, she could be found reading a book or watching her favorite basketball team, the Gonzaga Bulldogs. She enjoyed walking her dog Laddie and spending time with her family.  And as always, ‘Go Zags’.