Duane Jacklin, Post Falls businessman and philanthropist, dies

Duane Jacklin, a Post Falls businessman and philanthropist, died Thursday.

Jacklin, 72, was part of an agribusiness family with deep roots in North Idaho. His grandfather, Ben, started Jacklin Seed Co. in 1936. The company initially sold legume seeds to farmers, but later turned to turf grass seed, which it exported all over the world.

Jacklin was involved in the Post Falls company, along with his two brothers, Doyle and Don Jacklin. The company eventually sold to the J.R. Simplot Co. in 1997.

After the sale, the Jacklins remained active in real estate development through Jacklin Land Co. Duane Jacklin was the managing partner of 300-acre Riverbend Commerce Park in Post Falls.

The Jacklin family is also known for its philanthropic work.

They donated land to the University of Idaho for a Post Falls research campus. The brothers - all veterans - also donated a $1.1 million piece of property in west Post Falls for a future home for disabled and elderly veterans.

Duane Jacklin and his wife, Susan, were instrumental in turning a historic church in Post Falls into the Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center.