Sidney H. KETCHUM

KETCHUM, STREVER, CRAFTON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/14/2009 at 11:14:17

Sidney H. Ketchum, 73

The world lost a great man when Sidney H. Ketchum passed away Thursday Feb. 5, 2009 at Kootenai Medical Center (Circle of Life) after a courageous and hard fought battle with lung cancer. Sid was born Feb. 2, 1936 to Philip and Dorotha Ketchum in Clarion, Iowa and graduated from Rowan Iowa High school in 1954. On Feb. 20, 1955 Sid married the love of his life Barbara Strever at the Congregational Church in Clarion. From 1955 to 1957 he served in the Army and spent a year in Italy. After returning home Sid worked for the Chicago Great Western Railroad as a telegrapher and then a brakeman. In 1960 Sid and Barbara moved to Southern California where Sid became a salesman for IDS selling mutual funds and insurance and then as a salesman for a manufacturing representative for Aero-Space. Being a natural salesman was just one of Sid's many talents. Sid was also great with his hands and in the late 60's he opened Ketchum Co., a wood working company specializing in grandfather clocks. In 1978 Sid and Barbara moved to Hayden Lake, where Sid started Great Oak Enterprises, a wholesale furniture company specializing in occasional tables and accessories. Sid loved sports and coached both of his boy's little league teams. He was a member of Avondale Golf club and also loved to play cards. Sid was a great story teller with a dry sense of humor with a twinkle in his eye that everyone seemed to enjoy. He was honest, strong, wise and witty and always spoke his mind. Sid will be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him.

Sid is survived by his wife Barbara, sons Steven (Miyuki) and Scott (Veronica), seven grandchildren; Alicia, Nathan, Victoria, Alex, Edgar, Dannae and Xyonane, brother Robert Ketchum, sister Patricia Crafton, brother Gene, brother in-laws, sister-in laws, nieces, nephews and many very good friends. Sid was preceded in death by his daughter Lisa and parents Philip and Dorotha. The family would like to thank Kootenai Medical Center, Dr. Tezcan, Dr. Davenport, Dr. Chang, and Seattle doctors Dr. Vallieres, Dr. Jay Williams, Dr. Tan and Dr. Tupper, as well as all of the friends and neighbors for everything they have done for Sid and for Barbara. Memorial services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2009 at Yates Funeral Home in Hayden. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Kootenai Medical North Idaho Cancer Center.

Coeur d'Alene Press, Idaho
February 9, 2009