Keith Nelson Coble

Keith Nelson Coble passed away suddenly Aug. 11, 2020. He was born to Tom and Ella Coble in Kootenai, Idaho, in 1924. Shortly after, his family moved to Bonners Ferry.

He enlisted and served in the Army Infantry. During the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, his feet were frozen and he received a medical discharge.

Upon returning home, he married Gladyce Strohl on July 28, 1945. He finished his education and became high school principal in Potlatch, Idaho. After 10 years there, they came home to Bonners Ferry where they raised their three daughters and several hundred other “kids” he considered his from the high school. Some of those kids he knew better than others as they spent many hours visiting his office. You know who you are!

He and Gladyce set out on an adventure as educators in the Marshal Islands for five years, after which they returned to Bonners Ferry, where they were the entire teaching staff at Evergreen Elementary School.

Upon retirement they traveled extensively in Northern Canada, where they eventually bought a summer place along with the children in Faro, Yukon. They traveled there each summer to fish and play.

Keith loved the mountains and located many of the trails in Boundary County while working for the U.S. Forest Service in the summers. He love to laugh and tell stories, loved Idaho, and loved his country.

Keith is survived by his wife, Gladyce, with whom he celebrated a 75th wedding anniversary and his 96th birthday just three weeks ago. He is also survived by ... and survived raising ... his three daughters Claudia, Raina, and Delia; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many good friends.

The family would like to thank the first responders, EMTs, Dr. Yost, and the hospital staff for their efforts and kindness.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a favorite charity. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later appropriate time.