Our world became much smaller when Edward “Ed” Paul Gould, born August 22, 1938, peacefully passed away on July 15, 2025.
Ed studied literature at both Graceland College and the University of Iowa before he enlisted in the US Navy. His early history was defined by distinguished service, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG).
After both sea duty and shore assignment, Ed left the Navy to pursue his medical degree at the University of Kansas. A general surgery residency at Maricopa County Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, led to his surgical practice in Sandpoint.
Ed practice medicine for decades in North Idaho, Spokane, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Ed was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a passionate fighter for his family and friends and a reliable source of quick-witted jokes and limericks.
He loved fiercely and unconditionally, approached everyone with non-judgmental respect, and believed music, art and food made all our lives better.
Dr. Gould was preceded in death by his father, Bill, mother Charlotte, and grandson Cameron Smith.
He is survived by his much-loved wife, Sharon, daughters Wendy Dumas (Kyle), Robin Houser (Scott), Holly Haynes (Bart), and Brooke Blessum and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Ed’s family requests that you take a moment to remember what an incredible man he was and send your positive energy out into the world on his behalf.
I did not have the pleasure of knowing Ed for an extended amount of time. But he showed me that it just didn’t matter. His character and his heart for people were continuously evident. No one was a stranger with Ed around. In every interaction I has the privilege of sharing with him, he smiled, joked and found things to relate in shared experience. I am grateful for the mark he left for me that makes me smile. I can just imagine the precious impact on those he knew for a long time.