Retired Idaho National Guard commander John Kane dies

Retired Major Gen. John F. Kane, 71, died on Tuesday, May 31.

A Boise native and Borah High School graduate, Kane enlisted in the Idaho National Guard in 1962. Kane graduated from Boise State with a business degree in 1970.

Kane served in the Idaho National Guard for 43 years including 10 years as commanding general. He retired in January 2005.

He is survived by his wife Sandra; his two sons Scott and Matt; two grandsons, Preston and Liam , one grandchild on the way plus extended family members.

“Jack and I have been great friends since we were boys growing up here in the valley,” said Gov. Butch Otter in a news release. “I’ve never known a better man or one I trusted more. General Kane was admired for his toughness, his professionalism and his military bearing. But most of all I valued Jack’s steadfast friendship and wise counsel. Miss Lori and I are keeping Sandra and the Kane family in our prayers.”

A memorial service is set for noon Tuesday, June 7, at Cloverdale Funeral Home, 1200 N. Cloverdale Road. Kane will be laid to rest with full military honors at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery, 10100 Horseshoe Bend Road, at 3 p.m. that day.

This story was originally published June 3, 2016 at 5:18 PM with the headline "Retired Idaho National Guard commander John Kane dies."