Wayne Kidwell

1938 - 2025

Wayne LeRoy Kidwell, age 87, of Boise, passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025. Born on June 15, 1938, in Council, Idaho, Wayne dedicated his life to the pursuit of justice, public service, and lifelong learning.

After serving two years in the U.S. Army as a military police officer and earning his law degree from the University of Idaho, Wayne built a distinguished legal and political career in Idaho. He served as Ada County Prosecutor, was Majority Leader in the Idaho State Senate, and was elected Idaho Attorney General-where he advocated for victims and worked to strengthen the state's legal institutions. He later served as a justice on the Idaho Supreme Court. In each role, he was known for fairness, careful reasoning, and steadfast commitment to the rule of law. Colleagues remembered him for his steady temperament, clear judgment, and respectful demeanor both on and off the bench.

A lifelong learner, Wayne's wide-ranging intellectual curiosities included photography, microscopy, and cosmology. He was an avid photographer who found joy in capturing Idaho's landscapes, the natural beauty of Hawaii, and everyday moments. His hobby of microscopy fascinated him with the hidden details of the natural world, and he maintained a passionate interest in astronomy, reading and discussing the latest developments in the origins of the universe.

Wayne is survived by his two sons, Vaughn and Blair Kidwell, and his granddaughter, Olivia Kidwell. In accordance with his wishes, no public service will be held. The family invites friends to honor his memory privately and to celebrate his love of justice, curiosity, and the natural world. May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him.