Aaron Stockton

AARON IVAN STOCKTON Renowned Livestock Auctioneer IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Aaron Ivan Stockton was born August 10, 1917, in LeGrand, California. He passed on in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on February 12, 2009, at age 91. Ironically, his loving wife and soulmate, LaVerne Holm Stockton, passed away two days later on Valentine’s Day. Aaron was the middle son of Robert Ivan Stockton and Bertha Ellen Shut Stockton. He is survived by a brother, Lloyd Stockton of Woodland, CA; his children, daughter, Lana Stockton (George) Trovao of Sacramento, CA; son. Robert (Lucille) Stockton of Orland, CA; and daughter, Donna Stockton (James) Mays of Howe, ID; three stepsons of LaVerne Holm Stockton and their wives and children, 20 Grandchildren and 27 Great Grandchildren. His two year old son, Gary Glenn Stockton, preceded him in death in 1949, as well as a granddaughter, Melinda Lee Mangum in 1963, and Aaron’s beloved younger brother, Sanford, in 2003. His stepdaughter, Jacki Holm Ryder, passed in 2007. Aaron attended California schools in LeGrand, Bayliss, and Princeton High School. He graduated from Willows High School, while participating in Golden Gloves boxing. In 1939 he married Lena Winters of Ord Bend, CA, where they lived prior to moving to Orland, CA in 1944. Aaron operated a Bee Keeping business until leaving to serve in World War II. He was stationed in Japan and the Pacific Islands. In 1946, (after being Honorably Discharged from the US Army), he joined his father, Ivan Stockton, in a partnership with the C. Berry family as co-owners of the Orland Auction Yards. In 1947 Aaron and Ivan took over full ownership of the Yards. Aaron became a self taught Livestock Auctioneer. He bought and sold livestock in seven western states. In 1967 he placed First in the World Championship Livestock Market Auctioneer's Contest (Regional Division), in Great Falls, Montana, later becoming a finalist in the 1968 National Championship held at Clearwater, Florida. He became known as a prominent fly fisherman, deer and elk hunter in the USA, winning national awards in both sports. For many years Aaron also owned and flew his own airplane. In 1955 Aaron purchased his father Ivan's interest in the Orland Auction Yard, becoming sole owner. From the late 1940's through the 1970's Aaron won countless awards by volunteering his time as an Auctioneer for many Junior Livestock Sales (FFA & 4H) at county fairs throughout Northern California. In the 1970's he held the National record for volunteering his services for over 200 Sales. In 1977 he sold the Orland Auction Yard to the Lacque family in Orland, but continued to buy and sell cattle as well as auctioneering throughout California. In 1979 Aaron built a homestead in his beloved Swan Valley, Idaho. It overlooked the Snake River, Palisades mountains, and Palisades Lake. Aaron enjoyed running Drift Boat expeditions on the Snake River, and was still going strong through his early 70's. His great love was Fly Fishing on Henry's Lake near the continental divide in Eastern Idaho. He learned to create his own unique fishing flies, selling and giving away thousands of his creations. He met beautiful LaVerne Holm at the Covered Wagon in Swan Valley in 1991. They were married in 2004. One last note . . . . . . . Aaron was known as a First Class story teller. Memorial Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 9, 2009, at the Idaho Falls First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 455 West Sunnyside Road. The family will visit with friends for one hour prior to services at the church. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Terrie Park Stromberg strombergs@silverstar.com Sorry to hear about Aaron. He was an Icon in my life. He and Glen are surely hunting elk in heaven. We moved back to Swan Valley two years ago and bought Aaron's home in the valley. I think of him a lot. Every time I drive up this scary lane. We love it. I still have the big rock he carried up out of Palisades Creek for me. I always wanted to go see him and tell him we bought his home, but never did. Terrie Park Stromberg Wilford Hammon He was a great story teller - he will be missed - Wilford Hammon & Family