Blair Larsen Winward
Blair Larsen Winward, age 76, passed away on April 16, 2024, after a two-year battle with cancer. He was born Aug. 11, 1947, in Preston, Idaho, the sixth of twelve children to Thane Dalley and Evelyn Julia Larsen Winward. He was raised on the family dairy farm in Dayton, ID, where he learned to work and care for the dairy cows and calves. He attended elementary school in Dayton and Clifton and secondary schools in Dayton, graduating from West Side High School in 1965. After one year at Utah State University, he fulfilled a Church mission in southern California. Upon his return, he re-entered USU and graduated in 1971 with a BA in English education and a German minor. While at USU he met Jacqueline Bowler of Henderson, NV; they were married on Mar. 18, 1971, in the Logan temple. After a year in Coalville, UT, where Jackie was teaching home economics, they moved to Montpelier, ID where Blair taught high school English for one year. For summer work, he was hired by a labor contractor in Soda Springs (Conda) at the APC plant and was hired later in the year full time in the materials department as a warehouseman. He soon became a buyer and retired from the same plant, Agrium, in 2014. They moved to Soda Springs in 1975 with their two oldest daughters. Two sons and another daughter joined the family there. Blair has been active in his Church and scouting, serving as executive secretary to four bishoprics, counselor in bishopric (twice), bishop, high council (twice), Sunday School and priesthood quorums, ward mission leader, Sunday School president, and temple ordinance worker in the Star Valley and Pocatello temples. He was also scout master twice and served on the District committee for numerous years, including being district chairman for many years. He is the recipient of the District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver, and National Outstanding Eagle Scout Award. He also served as a member of the Rotary Club of Soda Springs, where he served a year as President and also as chairman for the 4th of July celebrations for 30 years. He is a James E. West (BSA) fellow and a Paul Harris (Rotary) fellow. Professionally he was a member of ISM (Institute of Supply Management) for many years and served a year as president. He also served on the Caribou County Senior Citizens board for many years.
Blair enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, backpacking, gardening and his family. He is survived by his wife, Jackie; children, Shelli (Brent) Smith; Shanda (Kenneth) Richey; Samuel (Aleena) Winward; Spencer (Miranda) Winward; and Shae (Nathan) Hansen. Also surviving are 23 grandchildren. His siblings are Dennis (Valene) Winward; Bonnie (Jim-deceased) Milligan; Steven (Barbara) Winward; Marianne (Lavon) Day; Bruce (Anita) Winward; Thane D. (Kathy) Winward; Wendy (Ralph) Ellis; Lula (Jeff-deceased) Isaacson; LaMar (Jenifer) Winward; Calvin (Cathy) Winward; and Julie (Doug-deceased) Hunsaker. He was preceded in death by his parents and three grandsons, Hunter and Colter Winward and McKay Hansen.
A special thanks goes to medical professionals and caregivers at Caribou Medical Center, Huntsman Cancer Institute, and the Enhabit Hospice team.
Viewings will be held on Thursday, April 25, from 7:00-8:00 p.m. and again Friday, April 26, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Soda Springs LDS Stake Center, 290 S 3rd W. A funeral will be held at the same location Friday, April 26, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at the Whitney, ID Cemetery.
