A landscape architect who left his mark all over Coeur d'Alene.

The memorial is located on the south side of McEuen Park at the base of Tubbs Hill. It includes a stone table and bench between two tamarack trees — the place where the American Legion scoreboard once stood. It's fitting because he played American Legion ball there and his father, Jim Bershaw, umpired games there. Dwight later enjoyed walking with his kids on summer nights to watch games at the American Legion field before it was relocated to Ramsey Park to make way for McEuen Park.

Dwight Bershaw was a much-loved and respected resident of Coeur d’Alene. He volunteered on many public projects and was involved in several groups here that do good works to benefit Coeur d’Alene. He went out of his way to promote this community and was sometimes jokingly called “the Mayor of Coeur d’Alene” when proudly showing visitors around. He truly loved this place he called home for most of his adult life. The memorial here at McEuen Park was designed by his good friend Dale Gephart. The work to get it installed and funded was done by the Sunrise Rotary group that Dwight belonged to, and was a long-time greeter for, and Dwight’s long-time employer Clearwater Summit Group. The table and five stone benches represent Dwight’s close friends who met weekly to share stories of their families, camaraderie, and their latest endeavors. They were the “Monday Night Men’s Group”. The one empty spot represents Dwight. The four pillars represent Dwight (in the middle), his wife Ali, and their two children, Chance and Marissa. The additional “standing table” adds a place for those who wish, to stop and enjoy the beauty of this memorial and the view of McEuen Park.

Dwight's friends and family, members of his Sunrise Rotary Club of Coeur d'Alene, and the crew at Clearwater Summit Group, planting native grasses and foliage at the Dwight Bershaw memorial in October of 2022.

Dwight Bershaw Obituary

Dwight Eugene Bershaw was born on October 23, 1966 in Lewiston, Idaho to Jim and Connie Bershaw joining his older brother Darren, followed 4 years later by Dwayne. He passed away on August 20, 2021 at home in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho.

Dwight grew up with a loving and close family. Dwight was a very smiley baby, and everyone loved him, these traits followed him throughout his life.

Dwight loved to be around people, he played baseball all through his youth, sang in the choir all through high school, he never missed an event or dance EVER! He loved to be a part of everything!

Dwight spent all twelve years in the Lewiston School District, graduating from Lewiston HS in 1985. He then joined the Idaho National Guard to help pay for college at the University of Idaho. Dwight helped found the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house and made lifelong friendships with many of his brothers. Dwight then moved to Twin Falls Idaho and started work at Kelly Garden Center as a Landscape Architect. During his time in Twin Falls he completed his Idaho Landscape Architect License, and met his future wife, Ali Arambarri. They were married in Pocatello, Idaho on July 26, 1997. A year later they moved from Twin Falls to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Dwight’s life dream was to live in Coeur d’Alene and raise a family here. He got that wish and went to work for Clearwater Summit Group as a Landscape Architect.

Dwight was deeply dedicated to his family and enjoyed his children growing up and going to every activity and event that he possibly could – juggling performances, soccer games, baseball games, plays, dance recitals, cross country and track meets. He always encouraged them and supported everything they did. He was a fantastic father and husband. He cherished his wife Ali and would do everything he could to make her happy. He loved to send her flowers and have dinner dates with her. He supported her through, good times and bad, and was her protector and champion.

Dwight was well known for his volunteer work and was involved in several groups and community projects. He was one who just couldn’t say no to anyone.

One of his special personal volunteer projects was with a perinatal loss group here following the loss of his and Ali’s first-born son Nicholas James. They became leaders of the group and helped other grieving parents walk through this devastating experience as they had.

It was good sized group at the time, and they wanted a project to help work through their grief so Share Hope Garden was begun. Dwight, being a Landscape Architect created a beautiful garden at 8th and Gilbert in CDA where other parents could come, grieve and remember. He developed work parties for the group to accomplish, doing sections of the garden at a time and even supervised boys working on their Eagle Scout badges in Boy Scouts. He worked tirelessly and kept everyone on track. The garden was eventually given to NWSIDS for its care and oversight.

His volunteer work included the East Sherman Revitalization Project, the Sorensen School grounds rejuvenation including a student peace garden and student dedication pavers and patio. There were many others too numerous to mention all of which were close to his heart.

In Dwight’s professional life he was a talented and creative landscape architect and as one of his clients commented this week, “Dwight was my landscaper extraordinaire. He didn’t just plan the most beautiful yard in all of Kootenai County and then some, he continued to help us throughout the years. He was always kind and ever helpful. He was a pure joy to know.”

He worked for Clearwater Summit Group and was hired there over 23 years ago. He developed the North Idaho region of business for Clearwater by doing what Dwight does, being CREATIVE saying YES to everyone. He networked his way into the community. He developed relationships whether it was clients, architects, suppliers, or employees. Clearwater Summit Group will miss this great guy that made such a difference in building amazing outdoor spaces while smiling every day for 23+ years.

Dwight is survived by his loving wife Ali, son Chance and daughter Marissa, his mother Connie Bershaw of Lewiston, brother Darren (Jennifer) of Clarkston, brother Dwayne (Crystal) of Ithaca NY, mother and father in-law Nick and Alice Arambarri of Coeur d’Alene, sister in-law Janie (Dave) Arambarri-Somers of Coeur d’Alene, nieces Meagan (Asher) McCoy, Chelsey (Megan) Alder, Sara Teets (Chet), Sloan Somers, nephews Wilson and Joseph Bershaw and a great-nephew and great-nieces. He had many beloved cousins, aunts and uncles. He was preceded in death by his father Jim and his stillborn son Nicholas James. Cremation has occurred. Funeral services are planned for 1 p.m. August 28^th, 2021, at Lake City Church, 6000 N Ramsey Rd. Coeur d’Alene, ID. Dwight’s family requests that masks be worn.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to the Sunrise Rotary Club to provide support for special projects close to Dwight’s heart. In Memory of Dwight Bershaw, Sunrise Rotary, P.O. Box 1343, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83816-1343.

The family thanks Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d’ Alene for their caring services. The family gives a special thank you to Pastor Jared Cooksey from Lake City Church for his compassionate support and friendship. They would also like to acknowledge and thank the emergency responders for their efforts.