Jon William Coffin

Jon William Coffin, of Spokane Valley, passed away peacefully on August 8th, after a long battle with Congestive Heart Failure. He was 75 years old.

He was born on October 23, 1948, in Spokane, Washington. He grew up on Cleveland Street, in North Spokane and graduated from North Central High School in 1967. As a North Central athlete, he lettered in football and wrestling, winning the district championship in his weight class in wrestling in 1967. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science and a Master's degree in Technological Science from Eastern Washington University.

As a young man, Jon worked as a professional painter for Don Larson Painting. His work and expertise was shared and spread throughout his life. He went on to become a teacher, where he taught History and Computer Science to middle schoolers in Post Falls, Idaho. His fellow teachers affectionately nicknamed Jon "Kahuna Grande," known for his love of Hawaiian shirts and vast - but lovable - size. He taught for 30 years.

His passion was music, and he loved going to concerts and being anywhere he could enjoy good music, good food, and good friends. Like many teachers, Jon looked forward to his summer break, to spend time with his family and enjoy the many random get-togethers with friends at the family pool - one of his favorite places to be.

He fiercely loved his grandchildren, children, family and friends, and looked forward to each and every moment with them. He was "Papa Jon" to all, and to that end, he had sentimental nicknames for everyone he liked, cared for, and loved. He loved to laugh and laughed often.

Jon is survived by his daughter, Rainey; son, Jason; ex-wife and good friend, Mary; grandchildren, Zackary and his wife Megan, Jacob, Jonah, Samuel, Sophie; sisters, Gayle and her husband Kevin, Dee; brother, Bret; numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

Jon is preceded in death by his brother, Joe, and his parents, Willard and Jean.

A Celebration of Life will be held on August 24th at River of Life Friends Church, 3263 E 12th Ave, Post Falls, Idaho, at 1:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.