David R. Oliver

David R. [Trapp] Oliver (63), a lifelong North Idaho outdoorsman and well-known resident of the St. Joe Valley, St. Maries, and Rathdrum areas, passed away at his home on February 25, 2026. He was born on April 21, 1962 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho to Robert Trapp and Annie [Fisher] Trapp.

Dave grew up throughout North Idaho, rooted deeply in its mountains, rivers, and small towns. Summers often found him in Kendrick working alongside family making cedar products - hard work, sawdust in the air, and the kind of lessons only family and labor can teach. He had a natural athletic ability and was skilled with a baseball, though he couldn't pursue playing due to the family moving. He graduated from St. Maries High School with the Class of 1982.

After high school, David married Diann Worley, and together they made their home in Rathdrum. He went to work for Diamond International, where he became known as someone who could do just about any job in the mill. Dave was dependable, steady, and well-liked by those he worked beside - the kind of man who earned respect without needing attention.

In 1994, David and Diann moved to Calder. There he worked alongside his stepdad, Jim Oliver, horse logging - a true North Idaho trade - and helped operate the Calder General Store. Later, the couple ran the restaurant/bar at Marble Creek (known to some as the "Greek's" from previous management) for several years while Dave also drove school bus for the Avery/Calder/Clarkia School District. Whether serving restaurant patrons or greeting kids climbing onto the bus, Dave had a quiet way of connecting with people. He became a favorite among both customers and students alike.

Due to his declining health, David was forced into retirement. Following the closure of the restaurant and his divorce, he remained at Marble Creek for several years before relocating briefly to Deary and Kellogg, then returned home to St. Maries.

From an early age, David's heart belonged to the outdoors. To call him an avid hunter and fisherman hardly does justice to the passion he carried. He pursued everything from big game to grouse and turkey, using archery equipment, muzzleloaders, or rifle - whatever the season called for. He processed his own meat and was especially proud of the hamburger he made. More importantly, he passed these traditions down to his children, teaching them not only how to hunt (among many, many other skills), but how to respect the land and cherish time outdoors - lessons they now pass to their own children.

When he wasn't in the woods - which wasn't often - Dave could be found tinkering or building. He had a creative mind and skilled hands, crafting everything from furniture to unique antler cribbage boards. He was a devoted New York Yankees fan, enjoyed watching Westerns and the original Star Trek, loved a good card game, nearly always had music playing while tinkering, and cared deeply for his pets.

David is survived by his daughters, Andrea [Oliver] Mitchell (Brian Moore) and Debbie [Oliver] Webb, both of St. Maries; his siblings, Audrey (Jeff) [Trapp] Hammons of Hauser and Neil (Stephanie) Oliver of Rathdrum; and his cherished grandchildren, Alexander Mitchell, Jessica [Webb] Vega, Charlotte Webb, Aimee Webb, and Aiden Daniels. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Jeffrey Wyatt, Jeremy Hammons, Alecia [Hammons] Thompson, Ryan Oliver, and Rebecca Oliver.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Trapp and Annie Fisher, stepdad Jim Oliver, and his sister, Anita [Trapp] Allison.

At this time, no services are planned. Family and friends are invited to visit his online tribute at hodgefuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences.