LaVar J. Murdock, 88 of Riggins, Idaho was called home on March 12th, 2017. He was born in Thomas, Idaho on March 20th, 1928 to Daniel L. Murdock and Pearl (Jones) Murdock. He was 8 days shy of his 89th birthday.
LaVar was a beet, potato and hay farmer. He started farming in Pingree, Idaho where he had to clear sagebrush and lava rock and even built his potato cellar in order to start his farming career. He was named “Beet Grower of the Year” 2 years in a row in the 1960’s. He was a member of the Idaho Flying Farmers and was an avid pilot. He enjoyed fishing and snowmobiling near his cabin in Island Park before he moved his farm to Winnemucca, Nevada. He eventually relocated to Riggins, Idaho for his retirement years, in hopes of catching the “big one” in which indeed, he did.
LaVar is survived by his wife of 65 years, Lila (Bowman) Murdock. Also his 3 children Craig (Cindy), Mindy (Bill) and Lori, 7 grandchildren, Jeff (Shana), Brandon (Anna), Tessa and Aaron Murdock and Cody (Cori), Mick and Dustin (Amanda) Popejoy. He’s also survived by 10 great grandchildren Bradley, Juliette, Skylar, Rayse, Chase, Ty, Kasen, Sophie, Deegan and Brakken. His surviving siblings include Quentin, Velda, Atha and Dale and sister in law Bernice (Orville).
LaVar is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Orville, Fenoi, Elwin and sister Danette. Also preceded in death by his sister in laws Helen (Elwin), Betty (Fenoi) and Joyce (Dale).
A celebration of his life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial donation may be given to the City of Riggins Ambulance Services or a charity of your choice.
