Arvin Spofford

Arvin Spofford passed away on January 14, 2026, in Meridian, Idaho. He was proceeded in death by Pat Jensen Spofford, his high school sweetheart and wife of nearly 70 years.

Arvin was born, in 1932, and raised in Jerome, Idaho, the son of Nat and Dora Spofford. In 1950, next to his senior yearbook picture, he chose the adage “To be happy is to be successful.” His life was indeed filled with success and happiness.

Shortly after their marriage in 1952, Arvin and Pat lived in Hailey, Idaho where he managed the Golden Rule grocery store, and Pat taught school.

They moved to Boise in 1953, where Arvin attended Boise Junior College and began his career teaching second grade at Whittier Elementary.

After teaching for a few years, Arvin became the principal of Madison Elementary. Through the years he was principal at Central, Franklin, Owyhee, and Liberty schools in Boise. In 1985, he was designated the National Distinguished Principal for Idaho and was recognized nationally by the President of the United States. The heart of his career was not recognition and accolades, but rather the hope and support he provided for hundreds of teachers and thousands of students. Arvin always found and nurtured the good in individuals and situations.

Along with his career in education, Arvin spent over 30 years in the National Guard and Army Reserve, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Arvin and Pat travelled extensively, and were often “on the road” in their motorhome, crisscrossing the US, Mexico, and Canada. Retirement winters were spent in San Felipe, Mexico, or Yuma, Arizona. They enjoyed many excursions throughout the world, visiting every continent except Antarctica. From Cuba (with some of their grandchildren), to Russia, Egypt, Australia, and all points in between, Arvin and Pat loved to explore the world together.

In his later years Arvin unearthed his 1929 Model A pickup that he owned in high school. It had been stored in the family barn in Jerome for 40 years. With the help of his brothers, children and grandchildren he restored it to its original glory. He enjoyed giving rides and sharing stories of his truck at every opportunity.

Family was always a focus of Arvin’s life and he leaves behind two sons, Nathan “Ad” (Jim), and Tim (Deb); grandchildren, Maggie (Earl), Emily (Chris), Andrew (Shavauna), Mac (Oliver), Tucker (Hattie), Abi (Julia), and Timborah, who passed away in 1989; and greatgrandchildren, Zoe, Shaylii, Zari, Otto, and Ashley. Arvin is also survived by his two brothers, Ed, and Rob (Connie).

Arvin was incredibly successful, not only in creating happiness for himself, but in his generous gifts of optimism and happiness to everyone he came in contact with. He will be deeply missed by family, friends, teachers and students.

We invite you to join Arvin’s family for a time of remembrance and celebration of his life at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Southminster Presbyterian Church, 6500 W. Overland Road, Boise, Idaho 83709.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to your favorite charity