Willard Spalding

Willard Leroy Spalding, age 78 of Glenns Ferry, passed away at his home on Dec. 16, 2015, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Glenns Ferry. Cremation was under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, in Mountain Home.

Will was born in Twin Falls to Elsie Spalding, and when he was eight, she married Alva Jacokes. He attended Appleton Grade School, worked on the family farm and graduated from Jerome High School in 1955.

He then attended Idaho State University, graduating with a BA, and later attended graduate school at the University of Idaho with an MA.

While teaching in McCall, he met and married the love of his life, Georganne Strode, and they had two children, Mark and Marci. The family spent a lot of time together outdoors, golfing, skiing, hunting, swimming, and motorcycling.

Will also enjoyed the family tradition of Christmas in July. With the addition of two grandchildren, Nick and Hailey, he also enjoyed spending time supporting and watching their school sports.

Will was involved in education for a total of 38 years as a teacher and coach at McCall High School, Principal at Wendell High School, Principal and Superintendent of Meadows Valley School District and Superintendent for Glenns Ferry School District.

His biggest passion was golf, playing and winning club championships, amateur and team events with family and friends. His favorite tournament was the McCall Amateur Match Play Invitational, and he was named Honoree in 2013.

Will was a kind, loving husband, father, son, son in-law, uncle and cousin. He made friends wherever he went, and enriched the lives of many in each community he lived.

Will is survived by his wife, Georganne, mother Elsie Jacokes, son Mark Spalding, daughter Marci Spalding, mother-in-law Marie Strode, grandchildren Nick and Hailey Spalding, brother-in-law Ken Strode (Jackie), niece Katie Strode, nephews Kolly and Kasey Strode and cousin Gary Bobbit.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in support of Glenns Ferry Library, P.O. Box 10, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623, the Spalding Scholarship Fund, US Bank, P.O. Box 909, Glenns Ferry, ID 83623 or the St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute, 100 E. Idaho, Boise, ID 83712.