Gordon Clar Rembowski

Gordon Clar Rembowski

February 26, 1937 – September 27, 2026

Gordon Clar Rembowski was born on February 26, 1937, at home, in the very house where he would spend his entire life. On September 27, 2026, he passed away, leaving behind a lifetime of memories, a loving family, and a legacy of hard work, integrity, and kindness.

Gordon was the sixth child born to Leo Rembowski and E. Lucille Mercer. He attended the former Laclede Grade School and graduated from Priest River High School in 1955. In 1954, he met the love of his life, Lynnette Hawkins, at the Bonner County Fair. They were married on September 13, 1959, beginning a partnership that would span 67 years. Together, they welcomed four daughters. Their first daughter, Lynita, passed away in infancy. They went on to raise three daughters: Kimberly, Kelly, and Kristan.

Growing up on the family dairy farm, Gordon developed a lifelong love for agriculture, the land, and working with his hands. He continued operating the dairy until 1980, when he transitioned to raising beef cattle. Farming was more than an occupation for Gordon; it was a way of life that he embraced throughout his years.

Gordon was a man who was never afraid of hard work and who enjoyed a wide variety of occupations. He worked as a mechanic at Kaniksu Tractor & Implement in Priest River, where he also pursued his love of stock car racing under the company's sponsorship. Along with farming, he enjoyed logging and spent time working for IBEX Construction.

Gordon became the first employee of Brand S Lumber Company in Laclede, which later became Riley Creek Lumber. During his years there, he served as log yard foreman and head of residuals. He eventually left the lumber industry to work for Bonner County Road and Bridge, District #2, in Priest River, where he enjoyed many years of service before retiring in 1999.

Retirement, however, did not mean slowing down for Gordon. He continued logging, farming full-time, and operating his beloved sawmill. For Gordon, time spent at the sawmill was his way of relaxing. He took great pleasure in cutting lumber for family and friends, completing custom orders, and taking on specialty projects. He was happiest when he had something to work on and could put his knowledge and skills to good use.

Gordon also believed in sharing his knowledge with others. He served as a 4-H leader, leading a Tractor 4-H Club, and later co-authored a snowmobile project for the state of Idaho, serving as a leader for that project as well. Through these activities, he shared his experience and enthusiasm with younger generations.

Family and friendship were important parts of Gordon's life. He spent many memorable summers camping and fishing with his family at Priest Lake. After retirement, Gordon and Lynnette discovered a shared enjoyment of square and round dancing. Together, they traveled to state dance festivals, enjoyed time with friends, and formed many new friendships along the way.

Gordon was also an enthusiastic member of the Panhandle Antique Tractor & Engine Club. His love for old tractors was no secret, and he took great pride in the several antique tractors he owned.

Perhaps Gordon's character is best described through the words of dear friends, who remembered him as a man of "integrity, a hard work ethic," and someone who was "loving, helpful, kind, strong, resourceful, and wise—everything a man should be."

These words reflect the legacy Gordon leaves behind: a life built on hard work, devotion to family, friendship, and a willingness to lend a helping hand.

Gordon is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Lynnette; his three daughters, Kimberly (Rick) Rembowski, Kelly (Don) Brown, and Kristan (Scott) Peacock; his four grandchildren, Justine (Ryan) Litzko, Ryan (Katie) Brown, Duncan (Rachael) Puffer, and Nicholas Peacock; and his five great-grandchildren, Lily and Owen Brown, Asher and Grady Litzko, and Jazlyn Puffer. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynita, and his five siblings: Florence Palmer, Leona Smith, Harriet Sheffler, Delores McFadden, and Leon Rembowski.

Private family services were held on October 3, 2026, at Pinecrest Cemetery.

In Loving Memory

To honor Gordon's memory and his lifelong love of antique tractors, the family welcomes memorial donations to the Panhandle Antique Tractor & Engine Club, in care of Jim Thompson, 64 Helen Thompson Road, Sandpoint, ID 83864.