John Gaumer

John Gaumer John Gaumer, 62, of Boise, Idaho passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2007, at a Boise hospital. John was born in Rochester, Ind. to Mabel and Leonard Gaumer on Dec. 9, 1944. He graduated with a degree in German Language and Elementary Education from Manchester College in 1963 and then went to work for the Department of Defense as an elementary school teacher, teaching in Germany, Spain and Turkey from 1966 to 1987. In August of 1980, while teaching at the Izmir Elementary NATO School in Turkey, John met fellow teacher and his soul mate, Renette Priest, from Boise. John and Renette married in Boise on July 7, 1983, a date John picked as a remembrance of Spain's Running of the Bulls, (and one he'd be sure to never forget). In 1987, John and Renette moved back to Boise to join the family business, M.R. Priest, Inc., dba Advanced Sign & Design and Traffic Products. John was an avid motorcyclist, a passionate BSU football fan, and a lover of the arts and outdoors. John enjoyed evening bicycle rides with his loving dogs, Chewey and Missy, in the sidecar, and doted over his Himalayan cats, Keno and Obi. John's quiet time was spent grooming his beautiful yard and lounging in the gazebo on the creek. A good friend memorialized John best when writing: "His life and passionate devotion to all that he did will continue to bless so many forever more what a great legacy; what a great man". John will be remembered for his uniqueness, enthusiasm, integrity, curiosity, sincerity and consideration of others. His compassion and spiritual awareness came from his practice and love of Zen meditation. His friends cherished his friendship and are blessed to have been touched by his tender soul and heart. John's clever sense of humor and zeal for life filled those around him with joy. John is survived by his wife of 24 years, Renette Gaumer of Boise; sister, Jane Gaumer Mills, (who passed away May 24, 2007) of Salem, Ore.; nephew, Dan Mills (Terri) and their children, John and Nathan of Salem, Ore.; nephew, Jay Mills (Janie) and their children, Kari, Matt and Randall of Salem, Ore.; niece, Karen Arthur and her daughter, Sarah of Salem, Ore.; and nephew, Brady Mills (Kara) of Rockport, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Idaho Dance Theater, 405 S. 8th St. Boise, 83702, (208) 331-9592, or Idaho Humane Society, 4775 Dorman, Boise, 83705, or a charity of your choice. A private celebration of John's life will be held at a later date.