Ross J. Capawana

Ross J. Capawana
1938 - 2013
Ross J. Capawana, 74, passed away on Saturday, March 16, 2013 in San Diego, CA after a courageous battle with cancer. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at St. Mark's Catholic Church, 7960 W. Northview St., Boise, Idaho. Military rites and interment will follow at the Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery. Ross was born on December 30, 1938 in Los Angeles, CA to Salvatore and Mary (DiGanci) Capawana. He graduated from John Burroughs High School in Burbank in 1956 and then proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He went on to earn his bachelor degree in education at California State University and married Linda Lou Marshall in 1961. They had two sons and later divorced in 1974. Ross was an accomplished man. He spoke 3 languages, was a builder, and an inventor. He started the international company, Capco Enterprises, in 1975. He held many patents on the machinery he invented and traveled the world with his business.
His hobbies included collecting and restoring vintage motorcycles, cars, helicopters and airplanes. One of his many accomplishments was restoring a jet helicopter used in the Vietnam War. Ross brought together the pilots, passengers, and history as part of the restoration. The event was documented in a short film titled, "Vietnam Helicopter Heroes." The helicopter was later donated to the Collings Foundation, an organization dedicated to the preservation of historic aircraft. He married Judith Diane Griffin in 1980, and they worked side by side as the success of their business evolved. He stayed close to his two sons, both of whom at times worked for his company. Ross was able to teach them metal design and fabrication; gifts which have served them both throughout their lives. Ross and Judy moved to Sandpoint, Idaho in 1999, where he loved flying his planes, traveling, fishing, and boating with his family. He was a member of the St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Sandpoint. Ross was a devoted family man and is survived by his loving wife Judy Capawana of Sandpoint, ID; brother Craig Capawana of Anaheim, CA; son Brad (Debbie) Capawana of Moscow, ID, four grandchildren, Jamie (and husband Afton), Stephanie, Michael, and Joe; son Jeff Capawana of Las Vegas, NV; Ross's former wife Linda Kaufman of Las Vegas; sisters-in-law Jane (Bob) Lindsay of Boise, ID and Janet Ham of Indianapolis, IN; niece Jenna Lindsay; nephews Ryan (Laura) Lindsay and Andy (Jenny) Noble and their sons Luke and Andrew. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling the arrangements. Please visit Ross's online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign his guest book.