'The best Christmas present ever'

NORTH POLE, Lake Coeur d'Alene — Neither the Grinch nor the frigid air stood a chance at spoiling an outing that warmed people's hearts on a cruise to the North Pole on Saturday night.

Raymond Pearson, of Whitefish, chose what he believed would be the ultimate Christmastime marriage proposal setting for his girlfriend Michelle Beck, also of Whitefish.

The magical moment came during a Coeur d'Alene Resort boat cruise to visit Santa's workshop on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

"Oh, yes," Beck said enthusiastically with a wide smile moments after Pearson proposed with a ring on one knee at the front of the Coeur d'Alene cruise boat.

The proposal drew an applause from others on the boat as well as another that was at the North Pole.

"I can't believe you did this," Beck told Pearson.

Pearson said she was "totally surprised" that the proposal came when it did, but she wasn't surprised at his creativity.

"He likes to keep things fun," she said.

Pearson called Beck's acceptance of his proposal "the best Christmas present ever."

Both Pearson, 46, and Beck, 41, enjoy outdoor activities together.

"She has so much personality," Pearson said of Beck. "I fell in love with her smile."

Pearson said he first proposed to Beck about two months ago in a Coeur d'Alene bar, based on what he called "liquored courage."

While she gave the nod, Pearson didn't have a ring to make it official, so he went back to the drawing board.

"I wanted it to be in the same place (Coeur d'Alene) and I thought the perfect place would be aboard the Santa cruise," he said. "I did a cruise about three years ago and really enjoyed it.

"I wanted to come back to the place where I'd asked her, but this time with a ring and do it right."

Pearson said Coeur d'Alene reminds him of New York City this time of year with its colorful holiday showcase downtown and at The Resort.

"It has the same atmosphere with how everything is all dressed up," he said. "I really enjoy this place."

Pearson enlisted jolly St. Nick to help with his proposal.

As Santa was nearing the end of his "nice list" naming kids on the cruise, Pearson appeared to be slightly nervous, knowing that his letter to Santa was about to be read. He pulled Beck closer with his arm that was wrapped around her as the two were bundled up in 10-degree weather.

"I have been an especially good boy this year," Pearson wrote to Santa. "I do not want any gifts from you. What I do want is for you to help me propose to my girlfriend."

Santa's helpers, including Hagadone Hospitality Food and Beverage Director Rick Powers and company, went far beyond what he expected to make his special moment a reality, Pearson said.

"It's the best day ever," Pearson said. "She was treated like a queen. I don't have enough 'thank yous' to express my gratitude for what they have done."

From the check-in to decoys on the boat to the proposal with Santa to the grand finale Christmas tree lighting and fireworks, the elves at Hagadone Hospitality arranged a storybook outing, Pearson said.

Powers said the opportunity was too good to not jump on board with Pearson.

"We were really excited to be a part of one of the most important days of their lives," Powers said. "When he called and asked about proposing, I said, 'Raymond, all you have to do is get down on one knee.' He did awesome."