Lyle OLMSTEAD

August 28, 1931 - September 1, 2025

Coolin - Lyle William Olmstead, 94, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on September 1, 2025, at his lake cabin on Priest Lake, Idaho, his favorite place on Earth.

Lyle was born on August 28, 1931, to Lynn and Laura Olmstead. He attended Longfellow Elementary and graduated from John R. Rogers High School in 1950, where he played football for the Pirates and was named to the All-City Football Team as a guard. He continued playing the following year at Eastern Washington College (EWU). Lyle also attended Gonzaga University and was a member of the Naval Reserves.

At Rogers, Lyle made many lifelong friends, including his future wife, Carol Ann Horey. They married on February 9, 1952, and spent 60 years together until her passing in 2012. Together they raised six children. In 1966 they purchased a one-room cabin at Priest Lake, which Lyle gradually expanded to fit his growing family. Building the cabin and creating its pristine sandy beach became his passionate project over many years, doing most of the work himself. Five generations of family members have enjoyed the cabin, which has been the heart of countless summers filled with family relationships and activities.

Lyle worked at Darigold Farms for over 20 years, beginning in the production plant, then as a wholesale driver, and later in the sales department. From 1974 until his retirement, he partnered with Lee Bayley to own and operate Refrigeration Specialties, a restaurant supply company.

Lyle and Carol Ann were deeply involved with Rogers High School reunions. Lyle served as a Director on the John R. Rogers Alumni & Friends Foundation and, in 2002, was inducted into the John R. Rogers Walk of Fame, honoring distinguished graduates.

Although he was always a hard worker, Lyle loved to play, too. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, golfing, and watching athletic competition.

Lyle was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Gloria Chess and Judy Gross; his beloved wife, Carol Ann; and his son-in-law, Mike Alm.

He is survived by his brother, Larry Olmstead (Vicki); his six children, Gayle Schock (Rick), Denyse Bajczyk (Henry), Leanne Smith, Bill Olmstead (Gail), Kristyn Alm (Mike, dec.), and Suanne Lacroix (Chad); 14 grandchildren, Mike (Melissa), Kelli (Matt), Staci, Joe, Jodi (Anthony), Jenaye (Kris), Erin (Tim), Hailey, Chauncye, Ryan, Tyler, Jamin, Gage, and Marisa; and 10 great-grandchildren, Kadyn, Jaelynn, Jacob, Kendyl, Nora, Peyton, Carter, Carver, Swentyn, and Vander.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dick and Lynda Schuerman, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thank-you to their "lake family," Matt, Becky, Sarah, and Shannon Spilker, for their kindness and loving support of Lyle.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 1 p.m., at Runway 4 Event Center, Felts Field, 6095 Rutter Avenue East - Bay 3, Spokane, WA.