Charles "Gene" Lightfoot

Charles "Gene" Lightfoot
December 9, 2021
Boise, Idaho - Charles E. Lightfoot, "Gene", died on December 9, 2021, in Boise, Idaho. He missed his 83rd birthday by three weeks. Born and raised in Payette, Idaho, alongside his two brothers Gary and Ron, he developed a tenacious work ethic and deep appreciation for the natural beauty of the great outdoors.
Gene graduated from the University of Idaho in 1962. Shortly thereafter, he married his high school sweetheart, Margaret, and they moved to Burley for his first job teaching art. They settled in Boise where he worked for the public school district for over 30 years. He received his master's degree in counseling from College of Idaho and transitioned from teaching to counseling at Boise High School, ultimately finishing his career at North Junior High School. Along the way, he coached several sports and was director of the driver's education program.
For years Gene was a fitness enthusiast, playing tennis competitively in his forties and enjoying his community of workout buddies at the gym into his eighties. He connected with friends regularly and enjoyed a standing monthly card game with other counselors that ran for 40 years. He also spent his free time as an avid outdoorsman exploring the wilderness of Idaho, often with his younger brother Ron. He loved to fish and spent countless hours on the boat. Hell's Canyon and the Clearwater River were favorite fishing destinations, where he continued to forge a meaningful connection with nature. In his sixties and seventies, he reveled in the excitement of adventure motorcycling. Along with his trusty riding companion, Chuck Scheer, he logged thousands of miles on the back roads of Idaho. This inspired a desire to see the world, ultimately resulting in a motorcycle trip to Thailand and Laos with Chuck. Additionally, he explored the Caribbean and traveled to Europe with Margaret in 2011 to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. At the time of his passing, he and Margaret were married for 59 years.
He was incredibly proud of his children and their accomplishments. He and Margaret enjoyed traveling to visit daughter Emily in Philadelphia, and son B.J. in Seattle. He was blessed with a granddaughter Abby (17) and Olivia (5) from each of his children and loved watching them grow up.
Gene lived a life full of experience and adventure. He laughed often with his friends and earned the respect of his peers. He appreciated Earth's beauty and made the effort to explore it. Through it all, the love and support of his family was his most prized possession.
At Gene's request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. The family instead asks for you to connect with those you love and enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.