Roy A. Stowers, 64, Grangeville

Roy Allen Stowers, 64, a lifelong resident of Idaho County, passed away Thursday, April 1, 2010, at the Grangeville Health and Rehabilitation Center. He was born Feb. 25, 1946, to Kenneth and Elizabeth Land Stowers in Gainesville, Ga. They moved to Grangeville when he was 2 years old. He and his family traveled back to Georgia for summers spent with his uncles, aunts and cousins. He attended Grangeville schools, graduating in 1964. He was very proud of having never missed a day of school in 12 years.

Thanks to Bill Eimers for his encouragement. He attended the University of Idaho for two years, studying architecture. He worked briefly for Willett Bros. and several years for the Grangeville Grange Supply. In the 1980s, he started working as a heavy-equipment operator in road construction until his health failed.

He and Gail Higgins were married in 1969, which later ended in divorce. They moved to their ranch home on White Bird summit. Two sons were born, Cory Allen in 1972 and Brian Allen in 1973.

He was an avid hunter. In high school he would go hunting almost every day before school. He loved steelhead fishing at his favorite Salmon River "spots." Also playing cribbage with his buddies. He tooled leather, enjoyed carpentry and made some beautiful frames for Gail's paintings. There wasn't anything he wouldn't try: plumbing, wiring, welding and woodworking. He and his family would tear down old buildings and recycle the lumber.

He is survived by his two sons, Cory of Grangeville, and Brian and Jill of Post Falls, Idaho; two grandchildren, Kadin and Kaisa; four brothers, Ray and Freda, David and Loretta, Jerry, and Kenneth and Sandy; four sisters, Betty and Virgil Evans, Sue Ervin Adkinson and Ron, Bonnie Hibbs and Irene Gill; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, mother, stepfather Everett Johnson and two brothers, Ralph and Harry.

He was very proud of his grandchildren, showing their photos to everyone at the care center. He will be missed there, especially by his good bingo friend, Darlene, sister Irene and son Cory. Also the staff and other friends.

Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Grangeville's Prairie View Cemetery.

Blackmer Funeral Home of Grangeville is handling arrangements.