Walter Reich

Walter Wayne Reich, 85, formerly of Rigby, passed away October 2, 2024, at his home in Leadore. He was under the care of Brio Hospice.

Walt was born September 27, 1939, in Cloudy, Oklahoma, to Ples Throney Reich and Ada Idell Rogers Reich. He grew up and attended schools part way through high school in Oklahoma before moving to Jackson, Wyoming, where he joined the Army National Guard.

On September 18, 1962, he married Marjorie Jean Mangum in Jackson. Walt and Marjorie made their home in Rigby. He was a long haul truck driver. In his later years he worked for Kirk Sutton doing tractor work on the farm and hauling grain and potatoes. When Marjorie got sick, he retired from Cornelison Farms in order to take care of her and be by her side. He lost the love of his life September 5, 2011. He was very lonely for the remainder of his life.

He loved anything to do with horses. He loved going into the mountains with a pack string of horses. He could look at a picture and tell you where that was taken from the landmarks.

In October 2022, he had to change his living arrangements. He moved into Parkwood Meadows Assisted Living where he lived for one year. In October 2023, he moved to Leadore, Idaho to live with his former neighbors, Paul and Margaret Gallup. They had remained friends and kept in constant contact with him. Their home became like his home with his art gallery on the walls in his rooms.

Walt dearly loved his grandchildren. He waited daily for his phone to ring. He would be so happy when a chance meeting at the restaurant or laundromat let him spend time with his great-grandchildren.

Walt was talking about his grandchildren the day before he passed away, saying how much he loved them.

Walt had a really good “last” day with a phone call from his sister, ate a good dinner and several good conversations.

Walt is riding a horse through a mountain range right now watching the beautiful sunshine. Safe travels my friend. I love you.

Walt is survived by his, daughter, Kara Orgill of Rigby, ID; son, Randy Reich of Saint Anthony, ID; grandchildren, Talon, Austin, Katie, and Kelsie; great-grandchildren, Bentley, Oakley, Lexyx, Pyper, and Huxley; and friend, Margaret and Paul Gallup and special granddaughters, Holly and Emma.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, and son, Jimmie Reich and daughter, Marla Malone.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.