Lyle Michael Derie

Lyle M. Derie, 80, of Fruitland, died peacefully on the morning of February 18, 2018 in Lake Havasu City, AZ, surrounded by his family. Lyle was born October 5, 1937, to J. Mike and Essie Derie in Castleford, ID. He spent his childhood growing up on the family farm in Fruitland, ID, graduating from Fruitland High School in 1955. He attended two years of college at Cal-Poly San-Luis Obispo, studying animal husbandry. After college, he joined the Air National Guard while working at Simplot Soil Builders in Ontario. In 1959 he met and married Marion, and they shared their lives together for 58 loving years.

Lyle worked briefly at Andrews Seed Co. prior to accepting a position as assistant manager of the fertilizer division at Pacific Fruit. He later returned to Andrews Seed where he was a crop consultant for 27 years, completing his career at Clark Seed and ABT, working with seed growers in Idaho, Oregon, and Nevada. During his career as a crop consultant he also farmed, producing a variety of crops, primarily alfalfa seed. In his spare time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping with family and friends. He served as a past president of the Fruitland High School Alumni Association. Later, he began a hobby of restoring antique cars. As a member and past president of the Treasure Valley Crankers, he drove the cars to many events and tours. He was also a member of the local flywheel engine club, always working on something in the shop.

After retiring at the age of 62, Lyle and Marion were fortunate to travel together, visiting Alaska, Hawaii and several tropical locations. Later, they spent time exploring Arizona before settling in Quartzsite, spending six months each year there. They enjoyed the sun and exploring by riding 4-wheelers in the desert with both old and new-found friends, learning the unique history of the area as members of the Quartzite Historical Society.

Lyle was a member of the First Baptist Church in New Plymouth since he was a young man. He is survived by his wife Marion, and their two children, son Michael and his wife Carla of Anacortes, WA, and daughter Susan and her husband Dick Fisher of New Plymouth, ID. He has two siblings, Pauline Linder, and Larry (June) Derie. He also has five grandchildren, Emily, Josh, and Liz Fisher, and Trevor and Sarah Derie.

A visitation will be held from 5 – 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 28th at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel in New Plymouth. Services will be held at 10 a.m., Thursday, March 1st at the First Baptist Church in New Plymouth with Pastor Phil Pittman officiating. Interment will follow at Park View Cemetery in New Plymouth. Services are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, New Plymouth.

We would like to express our gratitude to the Polidori House and Hospice of Havasu for the compassionate care they provided. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lyle’s name to a local charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to Lyle’s family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.