Obituary of Anthony Henry Jabaay
Anthony Henry (Tony) Jabaay, age 73, of Spirit Lake, Idaho, passed at home on
October 20th, 2019. He fought a courageous battle but ultimately lost to cancer. He was born
on August 13th, 1946 to John and Jenny (Hop) Jabaay, in Rock Rapids, Iowa. He and his two
older brothers helped their dad in his blacksmith shop. In 1965, he helped his parents move to
Artesia, California. Shortly after the move he enlisted in the Navy, he was stationed in San
Diego. During the Vietnam War he spent time in the Philippines and Hawaii. In 1968, Tony
married Delores Spyksma in Artesia. She was his high school sweetheart and the love of his life.
The next 7 years were spent in California where they welcomed and raised their two daughters
and two sons. In 1976, he wanted a better life for his family so he took a job in Washington and
moved his family to Enumclaw. While living in Enumclaw he worked for Darigold and raised
cattle on the side. In 2003, he got out of farming, bought a semi truck and started hauling cattle.
He was a “bull hauler” for 11 years. He sold his truck in 2014 with the intent of retiring. In
typical Tony fashion, not being able to sit still, he took a part time job driving a gravel truck for
William Winkler Co. When he wasn’t working he was enjoying his time with his children and
grandchildren, camping, hunting, riding horses, farming and chopping wood. Yes, Tony enjoyed
chopping wood.
Tony is preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers Jacob and Christian and infant
brother. He is survived by: his wife of 51 years, Delores Jabaay of Sprit Lake, Idaho, his two
daughters, Shelly Black (Chris) of Rathdrum, Idaho, Tricia Curtis (Jeff) of Tekoa, Washington,
his two sons Lance Jabaay (Jessica) of Addy, Washington and Ryan Jabaay (Heather) of
Rathdrum, Idaho, his six granddaughters and nine grandsons, sister-in-law Jeanne Jabaay of
Redlands, California, brother-in-laws, Bill Spysksma (Nancy) Sedro Wooley, Washington, Jon
Spyksma Lynden, Washington, Bob Spyksma (Carita) Enumclaw, Washington, sister-in-law Jan
VanderWeerd (Bob) Spirit Lake, Idaho, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Tony
will be missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers the family asks donations to be made to Good Samaritan Rehabilitation in
Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.
A Celebration of Life will be November 8th, 2019 at 11:00 AM at The Altar Church.
901 E Best Avenue, Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, 83815.
