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ElRay John Hendricks

1943 - 2015

ElRay John Hendricks obituary, 1943-2015, Boise, ID

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Relyea Funeral Chapel

318 North Latah Street

Boise, Idaho

ElRay Hendricks Obituary

ElRay John Hendricks
1943 - 2015
ElRay John Hendricks, 71, died unexpectedly of natural causes on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at his home in Boise. ElRay was born on December 11, 1943, in Rexburg, Idaho to Elmer and Blanche Hendricks. ElRay was the youngest of 5 high-energy boys and grew up with a life full of adventure and mischief on their farm in Hibbard, Idaho. In college he competed on the Ricks College and BYU rodeo teams where he was awarded his prize saddle for All Around Cowboy 1967. While in college, he met and married Deon Stock of Connell, Washington. Upon graduating from BYU, ElRay, Deon, and their baby daughter moved to Pullman, Washington to attend veterinary school. While there, they increased their family to include another daughter and son. After graduating from vet school, he worked for 2 years in Washington before accepting a job in Boise, Idaho. Boise became their permanent home and they added one more boy and two more girls to their family. In 1976 he opened up his own veterinary practice and was able to put his six children to work from an early age. He continued working hard at his practice until he "retired" at age 65. He served two missions in Australia for the LDS church, first as a young man and later with his wife after retirement. He was always full of life, energy, and fun. He loved golfing, team roping, traveling with his wife, hunting, fishing, and snow skiing right up to the very end … usually with people half his age who were trying desperately to keep up with him. He served faithfully and energetically in church and could often be found in the early hours of the morning studying his scriptures. His testimony of the Savior and the Plan of Salvation burned within his soul and influenced many within his reach. He served at the unit, district, and council level in the Boy Scouts of America for over 30 years and received the distinguished Silver Beaver award. He was comfortable in any situation, around any personality and always made people feel like close friends. He served others tirelessly and was always ready to lend a helping hand on any project. He was a playful grandpa who loved to wrestle on the ground with his grandkids, take them on wild 4-wheeler or horse rides, trash talk with them over a game of ping-pong, and rope them like steer whether they agreed to it or not.
He is survived by his wife, Deon; his children, Kristy (and Adam) Cobb, Jody (and Brett) Porter, Jared (and Janese) Hendricks, Maria (and Mike) Proudfoot, and Randi (and Doug) DeGraw; 3 brothers, Sid, Vard, and Neal Hendricks; 18 grandchildren; countless friends; and his roping horse, Caedm. He was greeted in heaven by his son, Casey Hendricks; his brother, Blane Hendricks; his parents, Elmer and Blanche Hendricks; and his father and mother-in-law, Keith and Elaine Stock.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the Duncan Lane LDS Chapel located at 7200 Duncan Lane, Boise. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10-10:45 a.m. at the church. Family will also greet friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2015 at Relyea Funeral Chapel, 318 N. Latah St., Boise. Interment will immediately follow the service at Dry Creek Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the ElRay J Hendricks Donation Account has been established at Zion's Bank. The funds will be donated to The Boy Scouts of America.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Idaho Statesman on May 29, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for ElRay Hendricks

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Jacquelyn Leseberg

May 23, 2021

I loved Elray he was a great guy. Unforgettable

Eloise and Doug and family Kraemer

May 24, 2020

An unforgettable person. The best veterinarian ever! Good with 4-Hers, actually, with all children and animals. Just an all-around good person.

Liz Gatchel

August 3, 2015

RIP Elray..... Youre with the many animals you have helped all these years getting your face licked. I will miss you so much.. You helped our animals with such care and love. My deepest regards to his family.

Mark Whiting

July 1, 2015

Elray had the human touch to deal with challenges of his profession for both the sad and the good. In my lifetime I have met many, but never saw a more exuberant father in welcoming a new addition. I have Stake President friend who lost a 39 year old to cancer. He told me that losing a child is the most excruciating experience he had despite all the comfort and counsel he has given. Elray seemed to find the Balm of Gilead after the tragic accident that took Casey's life in this mid teens. I still have memories of trying to keep my youth by playing basketball to start the day at the 22nd ward meetinghouse with Elray and others. He had a colorful style and outlook in being a Church leader that cannot be taught in a manual .

Alicia (Rogers) Smith

June 25, 2015

I'll never forget the time Elray flew to Nevada to take care of my daughter's horse that had been injured. She was the Ehcapa queen and I had tried to unload her while she was still tied up in the trailer. I felt so bad, but Elray flew in and took care of her. Never forgot! I'm so sorry he has passed.

Sushan Han

June 18, 2015

Dear Hendricks family,
My deepest regards to you. I share in the loss of Dr. Hendricks. He was a very precious mentor to me growing up and a role model for me in our career. I feel very fortunate to have met such a wonderful and kind person. Dr. Hendricks had such a depth of compassion for all living creatures and such a passion for his family, clients, veterinary medicine and life in general. What a gift to have known you.
Thank you kindly

June 10, 2015

Dearest Deon and Family, we just learned of El Ray's sudden death and are sending you loving warm hugs, thoughts and prayers. Our family has many funny and tender memories of El Ray and your family through the years, the mischievous look in his eye, caring ways and living "full out". It also brings back good memories of Casey and what fine young man he was. May your memories bring you comfort and El Ray's life example continue to guide your way. Love and Best Wishes, Alan, Mary, Ben & Annie Schwartzman

Doug and Eloise Kraemer

June 7, 2015

Our family mourns the loss of ElRay. He played a huge part in our lives, in the care of our animals, and advice on animal care, specifically horses. If it wasn't for ElRay we wouldn't have had so many of the experiences with horses that helped our children mature in the love of animals! ElRay, you will be sadly missed.
Doug and Eloise Kraemer and family

Krista Gneiting

June 7, 2015

We love you ElRay and will miss your spunky personality! Our heart and hugs go to you Deon, and family. You are all so amazing. Wishing we could come give you a hug. Love, the Gneiting's.

Lauretta Burman

June 3, 2015

I was lucky to have ElRay in my life. My condolences to Deone and the family.

Bill Newbold

June 2, 2015

My sincerest condolences to the Hendricks family. I didn't hear about his passing until today. We all loved to play basketball at the church gym in those early morning hours. I remember on several occasions of having my body in the way of his 'pointy elbows'. In fact, I don't know of one person that has not met Elray's elbow on the court. :-) I'm so glad to have known him. He will be missed but remembered.

Robert Hoopes

June 2, 2015

ElRay was a high school classmate. During or shortly after high school, he became a pilot. He once took three of us on an early morning flight over the Rexburg Bench. Flying ElRay-style, he gave us a thrilling ride. Forty years later, one of our class reunions involved a whitewater rafting trip, which soon developed into a raucous water fight. It was no surprise to see ElRay right in the thick of things, still ready for anything. He lived life fully and touched many others. Condolences to the family.

Glenn L. @ Jo Ann Farmer

June 1, 2015

Dear Deone, and family,
So grateful I was able to attend the services
for ELRAY- we will certainly miss seeing him at church events within the stake and area.
The services were beautiful. Very nice getting to know your amazing family, hearing about their love for each other, sharing testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Will miss seeing ELRAY - please let us know if we can help you in any way.

love to all,
Glenn and Jo Ann Farmer and Family
Kevin, Gregg, and Mark @ families.

June 1, 2015

So sorry to hear about the loss. The horse (and animal) world, as well as the human world, has another angel watching from above.

June 1, 2015

We were so sorry to hear ElRay had passed away. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, Brad and Cindy Jolley

Brad and Cindy Jolley

Jackie Leseberg

May 31, 2015

So sorry to here of El Rays passing. He was one of my favorite person's. Wish I had known.

Kathy Hollandsworth

May 31, 2015

So very sorry and shocked to hear of Elrays passing. Great person and very kind. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.

Glen & Carol Flake Waltman

May 31, 2015

ElRay was a wonderful, great man. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your marvelous family at this difficult time. May the Lord continue to bless you all.

May 30, 2015

Sorry to hear of Elray's passing...even here in SoCal word gets around. But you know he's hasn't stopped laughing and joking with Blane and his folks since he rode up to the pearly gates. May the Comforter ease Elray's vacancy in your lives. Paul and Ruth (Hanks) Manwaring

May 30, 2015

Extremely shocking to hear ElRay has passed on....much too young! What a wonderful vet he was in my life, so caring, dependable.....so very sad he had to leave quite this soon. Boise just seems a little more lonesome at the loss of this special man. Lynn Myer

May 30, 2015

We are so saddened at the passing of Elray. He truly had a zest for life and was always good to be around. He will truly be missed. We send our love to you from the Larry Porter family.

May 30, 2015

I was shocked to hear this news..your family are in our thoughts and prayers.. He had confidence and faith that helped him suceed.. El Ray was a good friend to my family.. He never met a stranger...Tammy Frenette Fusselma.

Barbara Bell

May 30, 2015

To ElRay's family
My deepest condolence on the sudden loss. I went to high school with ElRay so have known him a long time.
I wanted you to know I was thinking of you.
Sincerely
Barbara Weatherston Bell

Marshall & Jolene Ogden

May 29, 2015

Great memories of a great man! Our prayers are with Deon and your families! What a wonderful reunion he must be having with Casey!

Steve and Lynda Alexander

May 29, 2015

What a wonderful man! You will be greatly missed.

Ryan Schone

May 29, 2015

I was shocked and saddened to hear of ElRay's passing - he always had such energy and passion. ElRay was my former Scout leader and lifelong friend of our family. He always had such enthusiasm for life and a contagious, positive attitude; he will be sorely missed. My heartfelt condolences go out Deon and the kids for the temporary separation from your beloved husband and father.

Rachael Sutherland

May 29, 2015

I have so many wonderful memories of this great man while being in Ehcapa as a kid. He will be truly missed. Rest in peace ElRay.

Ted Eisele

May 29, 2015

ElRay was just a great guy. Period! I'm so sorry to hear that he passed away. But what a legacy he left behind with his awesome family! Ted Eisele

John Beery

May 29, 2015

To a great human being who knew how to keep-on-truckin' and is likely doing something similar at this very moment. El Ray was a good-natured man and was known for wanting to help others in any way he could. He will surely be missed by his neighborhood friends. Ride on, Doc, and keep on truckin. Neighbor John.

May 29, 2015

I directed the Eh-Capa Bareback Riders when ElRay and Deon's three girls rode in the group. I appreciate and value deeply ElRay's willingness to help anyone in the group with a sick or injured horse when we traveled. He was also a blast to be around and delightfully entertaining. His knowledge and skills were superior. My condolences to the girls and the whole family. You were blessed and your memories will be endless. Janis (Meek) Wroten-Graham

Carleen Flesch

May 29, 2015

Rest in Peace Dr. Hendricks. Our furry kids will miss you.

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Memorial Events
for ElRay Hendricks

May

29

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Relyea Funeral Chapel

318 North Latah Street, Boise, ID 83706

May

29

Interment

Dry Creek Cemetery

ID

May

30

Viewing

10:00 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.

Duncan Lane LDS Chapel

7200 Duncan Lane, Boise, ID

May

30

Funeral service

11:00 a.m.

Duncan Lane LDS Chapel

7200 Duncan Lane, Boise, ID

Funeral services provided by:

Relyea Funeral Chapel

318 North Latah Street, Boise, ID 83706

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