Carl Gene Van Slyke

Carl's Story:

"My story actually began in March 1944, and I was born in December of that year. My mother and father were graduates of the University of Idaho. My first two years of school were at the Central Cove School, 3 ½ miles from the farm where we lived," (Now known as Van Slyke Road in Canyon County, Idaho.) "Most days we walked to and from school.

"In August 1956, I was seriously injured in a farm accident and spent almost two months in the hospital and recovering at home. Part of that time I was in a coma. It was because of excellent surgeons who put me back together and prayers from across the country that I am here today.

I was always involved in farm work, including hoeing weeds, driving tractors, hauling hay, and moving sprinkler pipes. I was a 4-Her for 8 years, my specialty was showing champion pigs at the Owyhee County Fair in Homedale.

At Homedale High School I was named Salutatorian upon graduating. Then I was off to college at the University of Idaho, majoring in Animal Science. Graduate school followed at Purdue, studying Ruminant Nutrition.

My first job was Extension Agent in Blackfoot, Idaho, working with the 4-H clubs. Later I transferred to Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, with work involving urban horticulture, crops, and livestock. I followed my motto, "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained," met and married Sharon and moved to southern Idaho in 1994. I farmed in a family operation for two years and then went back to work for the University of Idaho in an administrative position and took early retirement in 2002. Sharon passed away after battling breast cancer."

Carl met Carol Rivers and together they established a "forever home" in Meridian, where they lived until his death. He passed away in the early morning of October 2, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Hospital. Pancreatic cancer and its complications took his life after a courageous fight.

He is survived by his partner, Carol Rivers, brother, Howard Van Slyke and Jan, sister Ellen Thompson and Doug, cousin Eloise Van Slyke and Paula. He leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Carl was predeceased by his parents, Everett and Rosemarie Van Slyke, sister Ruth Van Slyke, and wife Sharon Van Slyke.

A celebration and remembrance will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 1pm at the Wright Congregational Church in Boise.

Memorials may be made to Wright Congregational Church, 4821 W Franklin Road, Boise, ID 83705.