Dennis Jack Jeffrey

1945 - 2025

Dennis Jack Jeffrey, 80

Born in 1945 in Bell, CA, to Jack and Jane Jeffrey.

Dennis passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side on August 9, 2025, in Hayden Lake, Idaho.

Dennis met his wife, Laura, when they were teenagers in Eugene, Oregon. He was working with her brother at the sawmill, and Laura noticed him when he arrived in his canary-yellow '57 Chevy to pick up her brother. She quickly organized a double date-pairing her brother with a friend and making sure Dennis came along. They married in 1965 when they were just 18 and 20 years old.

Soon after their wedding, they welcomed their first child, followed quickly by their second. Dennis worked tirelessly-taking night shifts at the local plywood mill, driving septic tanker trucks during the day, and taking any job he could to support his young family. After several years of hard work and sacrifice, Dennis and Laura decided he should pursue higher education. He began at Lane Community College before transferring to the University of Oregon to earn a degree in Accounting. He graduated in 1973, and went to work for Peat, Marwick & Mitchell in Portland, Oregon. In 1974, he took the CPA exam and earned the Oregon Society of CPA's Special Award for Achievement for the highest score in the state.

While conducting an audit at Idaho Forest Industries in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Dennis fell in love with North Idaho. When IFI offered him a job, he eagerly accepted, moving his family to Coeur d'Alene. Dennis worked at IFI for 21 years, loving his work, his colleagues, and every aspect of the lumber industry-from walking the land with foresters to collaborating with engineers on innovative equipment. He developed a profit-sharing program for mill workers that boosted productivity and helped employees earn more. Dennis retired as CFO of Idaho Forest Industries in 2000.

As a boy, Dennis enjoyed raising pigeons, body surfing, and camping along the California coast. As a father, he coached his son's youth soccer team to two city championships and coached his daughter's youth softball team for five years-winning no championships but creating countless cherished memories.

Dennis loved the Idaho outdoors. He became a skilled fly fisherman, hiked in the mountains, ran in numerous races-including a marathon-and even completed triathlons with his son. In 1992, he trained for and summited Mt. Rainier. Family vacations often revolved around nature, with summers spent at Priest Lake boating, waterskiing, and gathering around the campfire. Another family favorite was yearly trips to Glacier National Park, and spending simple time together hiking the beautiful trails.

Of all his accomplishments, Dennis often said one of the greatest joys of his life was being a grandparent. He and Laura purchased a second home in Portland to be close to their daughter and son, helping to raise their grandchildren and be part of their daily lives. They never lost their connection to Idaho, bringing their grandchildren to the "Idaho House" every summer to share their love of the region. Dennis and Laura also made frequent trips to Thailand to visit their youngest son and his family, celebrating when they eventually moved to Coeur d'Alene.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Laura Jeffrey; his children: Andy Jeffrey & wife, Debbie; Mark Jeffrey & wife, Nan; and Beth Dixon & husband, Scott; and his grandchildren: Talia, Kaya, Jack, Jewels, Alexander, Liliana, and Eloisa. He is also survived by his brother, Wayne Jeffrey & wife, Linda; and sister, Sue Graham & husband, Gale.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses at the Kootenai Health Oncology Center for their kindness and unwavering support, as well as to Hospice of North Idaho. Special thanks also go to Father Len MacMillan and the St. Pius Church community.

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life at a later date.