John Kayler

11/1/1928 — 5/4/2014

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John Clayton Kayler passed away Sunday, May 4, 2014, at Guardian Angel Homes in Lewiston.

John was born Nov. 1, 1928, to James H. and Harriet Benscoter Kayler in Winchester. He grew up on the family farm on Angel Ridge in Peck, along with his brother, Marion, and sister Josephine. He attended school in Peck and Orofino, graduating from Orofino High School in 1947. After graduation, he attended the University of Idaho and was a member of Phi Delta Theta. During the summer of 1950, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. After his discharge, he returned to UI in 1952 and graduated in 1953 with a degree in dairy science.

While in college, he met Beverly Jo Benson. They were married in 1953 and went to live at Peck, where he joined his father and brother in the family farm and dairy. Their son, James Frank (Jeff) Kayler, was born in 1954. In 1957, the family moved to its current home along the Clearwater River.

In 1968, John and Beverly started Fantasy Farms Nursery and Christmas Tree Farm, which became a tradition for many area families as they selected a special tree for the homes during the holidays. In 1997, John and his son, Jeff, began designing and constructing Kayler's Bend Golf. It opened to the public in September 2000.

John was active in many projects and organizations, including the Inland Empire Christmas Tree Association and the Idaho Nursery Association. He was instrumental in raising funds for the Peck Park and the restoration of the Peck Cemetery. He was one of the first shareholders at the Orofino Golf and Country Club and was an active member for many years. As their former Little League coach, John was always proud of his Peck Wildcats.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brother Marion Kayler and his wife Helen; sister Josephine Duff; grandson John Robert Kayler; and his nephews, James L. Gilbert and Jerry Conley.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beverly; son Jeff and daughter-in-law Treva; and grandson Brian. Also surviving are his brothers-in-law, Gene Duff and F. Thomas Benson (Patricia); nieces, Janet Conley and Susan Kayler-Daley (Bill); and nephew, Jack Gilbert (Patricia) and their families; and Dixie Gilbert and family, along with several cousins.

John was a very special person and left a wonderful legacy of memories to all he loved and knew. Memorials may be made to the Orofino High School, John R. Kayler/Loose Change Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 82, Peck, ID, 83545.

A memorial service is planned for 3 p.m. Tuesday at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home, 1711 19th Ave., Lewiston.

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