Garth DeWitt Haddock

Garth DeWitt Haddock, age 88, beloved husband and father passed away peacefully February 27, 2009 at Life Care Center in Coeur d'Alene. He was born January 6, 1921 in Kellogg, Idaho to Herb and Inez (Rolland) Haddock. Garth was a lifelong resident and businessman in North Idaho. He graduated from Kellogg High School in 1938 and spent time working at Bunker Hill Company to afford his dream of attending the University of Idaho. Garth started school at Idaho, but he interrupted his studies to serve his country during World War II. Garth joined the Marines in 1942. His dedication and hard work resulted in being accepted in fighter pilot training where he became one of the few pilots of the renowned Corsair. Garth served courageously during the war in the Pacific, receiving the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal. He left the service in 1946 with the rank of Captain. He was inducted into the Kootenai County Hall of Heroes in 2004, and was a member of the Marine Corps League Pappy Boyington Detachment 966. During the war, Garth married his longtime love and wife of 63 years, Margie Erickson in 1944. He was able to finish college with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the University of Idaho in 1948. The couple then settled in Kellogg where they started a family with son, Randy, born in 1948, and daughter, Marilee in 1952. Garth opened his insurance agency, Shoshone Insurance, in 1952 and operated it until his retirement in 1989. He was President of the Idaho Independent Agents in 1965 and awarded the Agent of the Year in 1988. Garth had a sincere passion for his community and North Idaho, serving as President of the local Shrine Club, Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, North Idaho Economic Development, Gyro, and Shoshone County Economic Development Association. He was a charter member of the Elks Lodge and District Eight Governor of Gyro. He was a director of the Fabulous Valley Development Group that brought together the vision of Jackass Ski Bowl (Silver Mountain) into reality. He was forever a generous contributor to youth athletic programs. Garth loved the University of Idaho and the Vandals. He was a two time National President of the Vandal Boosters. He received Booster of the Year Award and Alumni Service Award. He enjoyed his travel with the Vandals and the lasting relationships he made. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Kim Haddock of Hayden Lake, ID; stepbrothers, Ted Turnbow of Kellogg, ID and Gerald Turnbow of Fallon, NV; stepsister, Jean Wellens Marold of California; sisters-in-law, Fran Chase of Boston and Frankie Erickson of Pasco; cousins, Hazel Morbeck of Seattle, Marilyn Bancroft of Post Falls; niece, Cinnie Little of Pasco and nephew, Tom Erickson of Beaverton. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepbrothers, William Turnbow and Robert Turnbow; stepsister, Mary Ellen Runings; uncle, Ray Roland; aunt, Hazel Morbeck; and cousin, Russ Morbeck. Garth lived an exceptionally full life with many valued friendships. One of his passions was spending the winters in Hawaii, where they owned a condo in Kailua, Kona for more than 20 years. They enjoyed wonderful times with other North Idaho residents who also wintered there. Garth was always eager to throw wide the doors of his home and generously give of himself and his time to anyone who wished to share. The funeral service will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, March 6, 2009 at the United Church of Kellogg with Shoshone Funeral Service and Yates Funeral Home in care of the arrangements. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Kellogg. The family prefers memorial donations to the Greenwood Cemetery Foundation, P.O. Box 555 Kellogg, ID 83837 or the Vandal Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 442304, Moscow, ID 83844-2304.