Samuel Fuchs

1956 - 2025

Samuel Jay Fuchs, 69, of Deary, Idaho, passed away on July 30, 2025. He was born to Norman and Hulda Fuchs on February 28, 1956, in Hazen, North Dakota. He graduated from high school in Zap, North Dakota.

He graduated with a B.S. degree in geology from Bemidji State University, Minnesota. He worked for Boulder Creek Outfitters, riding horseback into Idaho wilderness areas and guiding for bear hunts. He continued his education at the University of Idaho, Moscow, Idaho, taking computer classes and graduating with a M.S. degree in Rangeland Ecology. He worked as a Research Associate at the University of Idaho and a Lab Chemist at Washington State University, Pullman, Washington. He worked as a botanist/ecologist for The Nature Conservancy, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Bureau of Land Management, primarily in Canyon Grasslands along the Snake River in Hells Canyon. He also created his own business raising native plants. He supported several conservation groups, including Idaho Native Plant Society, Friends of the Clearwater, and the Palouse Prairie Foundation. He attended several geology and botany field trips in Idaho.

His hobbies reflect his great love for the outdoors/natural world, including hiking, biking, camping, and photography. He created many beautiful and unique frames for his photographs from old barn wood. He also enjoyed making home-made sausage, fleischkuchle, kas knepfla, and kuchen with his family over the years. Sam and his wife, Janice, did extensive remodeling of their turn-of-century house and associated shed and designed and built several new structures.

Sam could fix anything, from computers to plumbing/electrical problems to vehicles, including tractors.

Sam is survived by his wife, Janice Hill, his sisters, Nona Schulz, Gail Craig, Susan Schaff, and Kristine Bookman, and step-children, Christine Salmi and Jeffrey Hunt. He was preceded in death by his brother, Perry Fuchs.

Sam lived a life marked by hard work, generosity, and a deep love for the outdoors. He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, sense of humor, and his wonderful smile and laughter. He was an excellent guitarist and a great dancer. He approached life with curiosity, respect for the natural world, and a willingness to share his knowledge with others. Sam's presence brought warmth and laughter to the lives of many, and his memory will remain in the hearts of all who knew him.

Cremation has taken place; his ashes will be returned to the places he loved. The family requests donations be made to the aforementioned conservation groups that were meaningful to Sam.