Erval Rainey, 82

Erval Thomas Rainey, who most everyone knew as Earp, was born in 1943 in Newport, Wash., to Albert (Erval) and Bonnie Rainey. He spent his early years in Laclede, Idaho, where he kept busy fishing, hunting for arrowheads, and swimming at the ferry once he'd finished his weeding chores in the garden.

In 1957, his family moved to Priest Lake, Idaho. That's where he spent his years enjoying the outdoor life, learning to water ski (and falling a few times!), fishing, and boating. He graduated from Priest River High in 1961 and then worked at a sawmill in Priest Lake.

In 1963, Earp and his wife Donna relocated to Portland, Oregon, where their three children were born. There he had a working-share at Linton Plywood. In 1970, they came back home to Priest Lake. Earp started working at Austin and Owen Raines’ sawmill before becoming a tree trimmer. He spent most of his time keeping power lines clear for Harper Construction through the IBEW Union until an injury led to his retirement.

Earp loved picking mushrooms and huckleberries, cutting firewood, and fishing. He also enjoyed working on puzzles, playing poker, challenging friends and family at cribbage to win that coveted dollar, and hitting the casinos for a little gambling. 

In 2005, he bought some land and settled in Oldtown, Idaho, where he took great pride in maintaining and landscaping his yard to pristine condition. He spent many winters down at his property in Ajo, Ariz., where he soaked up the warmer weather and managed his land there, as well. When he wasn’t working in his yard, he enjoyed hunting for treasures in interesting places, going to garage sales, and surprising his family and friends with little unexpected gifts. 

Earp is survived by his daughters, Michelle Bruce (Matt), and Annette Gunter (Brent); his son, Russ Rainey (Dianna); his sister, Karen Roeder (Virgil); his brother, Denny Rainey (Kathy); grandchildren: Sheena, Shawn, Erin, Cia, Dede, Shawn, Sara, Kathryn, Casey, Riley, Ty; and many great- and great-great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held at the Laclede Community Center on Sunday, June 8, with a potluck starting at noon.