Gary Lee Chaffin

Gary Lee Chaffin, 66 and 15 days old, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones. Gary was born on August 12, 1959, in Boise, ID, to Darwin R. Chaffin and Dee Anna Williams(Chaffin). Gary joined his big brother Dar Jr. and soon the games began!

Gary spent his early childhood in Boise, then relocated to Burley, ID for his Dad’s employment. Transferring a few years later to Odessa, TX, he and his brother harassed tarantulas, sidewinders, horny toads and their parents!Back to the Great State of Idaho they put some roots down in Idaho Falls and the boys became entrepreneurs, traveling by bicycle with one boy (Gary) sitting backwards holding on to the handle of the lawnmower as they motored around the city beautifying lawns.

Kimberly, ID (police force of 2, hence their longer stay!) became their long term home where he graduated from high school in 1977…after streaking buck naked sans a motorcycle helmet and tennis shoes through the school! Actually, rumor has it this same helmet and bum was spotted at a restaurant in Twin Falls and a football game at Kimberly High School.

When escaping notoriety in the towns of Idaho, Gary and family spent most weekends and holidays camping in the Idaho mountains, where they rode back country trails on motorcycles, fished streams, lakes and rivers and hunted everything and anything that walked or flew. He had a love of the outdoors that ran deep…a true Idahoan!

Gary married Carrie Kelsey in 1984 and from that union sprung the “apple of his eye”, his daughter Morgan.

While on a job in McCall, Gary met Paula, who became his wife and life partner. They spent the next 35 years building their life together.Gary was a master of all trades. In his 20’s and early 30’s Gary tried his hand at numerous jobs that rounded out his many talents…he farmed in the Kimberly area, did road work in Eastern Idaho, carpentry in residential housing and commercial properties, he ran support for a helicopter crew that did everything from collaring wildlife to firefighting, managed a plumbing supply company, and eventually he found his calling in Environmental Cleanup…keeping Idaho and the surrounding states clean from hazardous materials. This actually fit Gary’s talents really well…he is known to have a garage where nothing was out of place and a floor that was so clean you could eat off it!

In the early 2000’s, Gary landed the job that he loved, Master Environmental. He particularly enjoyed the people he worked with, his boss Lance, and the shenanigans that transpired as they worked hard earning a living. The work was interesting, often time sensitive and at times, incredibly challenging.

Gary is survived by his wife, Paula, daughter Morgan (fiance Matt Biegler) and his 2 yr. old granddaughter, Kennedi (KK). Paula’s children, Curt Shankel (wife Jenna, granddaughter Cali), Candy Shankel (granddaughter Brianna, grandson Dilan, great granddaughter Londyn). His brother Darwin Jr. (wife Mary), niece Angie Coyne, and three nephews, Greg, Brandon and Chad Chaffin. He leaves behind numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, great nieces and nephews.

Family, friends and others are invited to Alden-Waggoner Funeral Home, 5400 Fairview Ave, Boise, ID at 1:00 on Thursday September 4, 2025 to honor the life of Gary Chaffin. There will be a gathering to reminisce and share stories about Gary at Surprise Valley Clubhouse, 5240 S. Surprise Way, Boise ID 83716 immediately following the service.

One last thing…

The day before Gary passed on, as he was transitioning to comfort care, he asked his brother Dar to do him a favor. Could he get his wallet? Dar said sure but why do you need your wallet? Gary replied, “Dar, I do not know if they charge admission, and I don’t want to get to the Pearly Gates and be $10 short.