Rodney Leo Pumphrey

Rodney Leo Pumphrey, age 71 after a short battle with pancreatic cancer he went home to be with his Lord on Saturday January 19th, 2013 while his family was by his side. Rod was born January 18th, 1942 at Denver Colorado – son to Leo Nelman Pumphrey and Julia Edith Wallace Pumphrey. He attended schools in Colorado and Portland, Oregon, graduating in 1960 from Park Rose High School in Portland, Oregon. He worked in the plumbing industry starting at the age of 20 up until his retirement in August 2005. He held many positions over the years including contracts manager, superintendent, project manager, project engineer, design draftsman, and journeyman plumber. During his career he worked in many different locations all over the United States and also spent some time in Saudi Arabia. He married Lilly Gladys Kilbrai on December 28th, 1985 in San Jose, California. After retiring, Rod moved to Rigby, Idaho in 2005, wanting to be close to the Idaho and Montana rivers and mountains. He had many hobbies; some of his favorites were fly fishing, cars, trains, and antiquing. His love for automobiles started when he was a young man and was unwavering – he especially enjoyed working on race cars, hot rods, and being involved with others who shared his passion. He also loved fishing and started off as a tournament bass fisherman, but found his true calling when he learned to fly fish during a trip to Ennis, Montana. He never touched a rod and reel again. He was also very involved in whatever community he was a part of – starting with church activities, men’s ministries, and Bible studies. He also became a supporter of local clubs and charitable organizations such as the Rigby Rotary Club, Strings for Kids, Racing for Smiles, and Jack and Madelyn Scully Scholarship Fund just to name a few. He is survived by his wife Lilly Pumphrey of San Jose, California; a daughter Christine Pumphrey; and a son Jim (Tina) Pumphrey both of Sacramento, California; two step sons Gerry (Leslie) Guenther and Randy (Cathy) Guenther both of San Jose, California; a sister Joyce Christianson of Otter Rock, Oregon; three grandchildren and five step grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at the Roberts Community Center Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Steve Molsee officiating. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Interment will be in the Madison Valley Cemetery in Ennis, Montana on Thursday, January 24, 2013, at 11:00 a.m.