Farrel Vest

FARREL VEST IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Farrel Ardell Vest, 76, died of a sudden heart attack on Monday, May 17, 2004, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls. He was born June 19, 1927, to LaVon and LaRue Vest in Shelley, Idaho, and spent his youth in the Shelley/Taylor area, graduating from Shelley High School in 1944. He enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served his country in Hawaii during World War II. After marrying Joyce Hansen in the Salt Lake LDS Temple September 7, 1949, he ran a Conoco gas station in Idaho Falls and then worked for General Electric at the AEC Site west of Idaho Falls. His work later took him and his family to Boise, Buena Park, California, Las Vegas, and finally back to Idaho Falls in 1967, where he worked for Westinghouse at the I.N.E.L. until his retirement in 1987. During this time, he spent many long hours after work and on weekends helping his father on the farm. He had a great love for gardening and, upon retirement, began working at Town & Country Gardens during the spring and summer. He loved working with the plants, but he especially loved meeting new people at the garden center. New acquaintances quickly became instant friends, won over by Farrel's quick smile and caring countenance. Farrel continued learning following his retirement. He enrolled in several courses in the Horticulture program at Ricks College and also completed the Master Gardener program with the University of Idaho Extension Service. He was well known for his gardening classes and met many new friends as he made well over 100 presentations to various Relief Society and other service groups following his retirement. He served in many church callings, including in the Bishopric of the 28th Ward. He also served on the board of Harbor House and frequently volunteered his time to help at Darby Girls Camp. Farrel and Joyce served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Ventura, California in 1991-92. He loved gardening, fishing, and bird watching and had a great love for nature. His family was his life and he loved spending time with them. Farrel spent the last few years of his life caring for his dear Joyce. Surviving are: Wife: Joyce Vest, Idaho Falls Son: Richard (Marilyn) Vest, Ririe, ID Daughter: Maren (John) Crook, Idaho Falls Son: Randy Vest and Tim Franklin, Idaho Falls 10 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Renae, and two daughters, Kendell and Laurie. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 20, 2004, at the Idaho Falls LDS 28th Ward Chapel, 1165 Azalea Drive, with Bishop Cleo Geddes officiating. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, Idaho Falls, and on Thursday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m., at the church. Burial will be in the Taylor Cemetery under the direction of Wood Funeral Home.