Calvin Idler

On January 15, 2019 Calvin “Mel” Idler was reunited with the love of his life, Hazel Ray Idler on what would have been their 74th wedding anniversary. Mel was born on January 18, 1927 in Lamar, CO and was the 8th living child of Charlie and Mrytle (Lavere) Idler. He was 3 days shy of his 92nd birthday. Around 1934, the family relocated to Grandview, WA due to his mother suffering from dust pneumonia because of the Dust Bowl. Mel met Hazel at Grandview High School. She was smitten with him because he had a car. They were married January 15, 1945 and celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary before she passed away in 2001. After they were married, they lived with relatives until they were able to save enough money to build their first home. It was a block house on the County Line Road in Grandview, WA. Mel was a farmer his entire life. He managed several hop farms in Grandview and Toppenish. Euclid Gamache and Mel became partners forming Gamache Ranches in Toppenish, WA on Fort Road. Along with managing the ranch, he volunteered as a fire fighter and became the Chief at the Gamache Fire Station. When the ranch was sold, Mel and Hazel established Lazy Amigo Ranch and grew concord grapes along with providing commercial grape picking for neighbors. After retirement, they built their 2nd house in east Pomona. Mel loved to go to McDonalds in Selah every morning to have coffee with his friends, he always had his dog and cat in the car. He remained in this house until he needed assisted living and then resided at Good Samaritan Nursing home until his death. Mel was a loving, caring man that was willing to help anyone and everyone. As Hazel and Mel traveled in their motor home, he had the opportunity to chat with many different people, which was his favorite pastime. Mel is survived by his loving daughters: Karen (John) Carpenter, Claudia Tabayoyon, and Kaylynn Miller; 3 grandchildren: Jennie Bailey, John (Cathy) Sohler and Alonna (Todd) Kroll; and one great grandson: Lincoln Kroll. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Calvin Idler, please visit our flower store.