Kenneth Michael Erwin

Kenneth Michael Erwin, of Bruneau, passed away August 22, 2021 at St Alphonsus RMC in Boise with cousin Danise Mink and his mother by his side until the end. Ken was born in Jerome, Idaho to Sidney and Judy Erwin. He moved to Bruneau just shy of his first birthday. He grew up on the family farm and wouldn’t have had it any other way.

After graduating from Rimrock High School in 1991, he got an Associate’s degree in diesel mechanics from the College of Southern Idaho. His passion throughout his life was trucks. Every birthday and Christmas he only wanted a truck. So after college he drove trucks for a number of companies mostly in Magic Valley. He had fond memories of team-driving a tour bus for Alan Jackson one year with David Whitted. His favorite time of the year was harvesting spuds and beets. He loved living in Dean Jayo’s camper with a bunch of friends during harvest.

On August 20, 2002, he became paralyzed from a single vehicle accident and has lived with his parent’s since then. At the time of his accident he was the Bruneau Roundup Rodeo Secretary/ Treasurer, and he was very active behind the scenes of the rodeo for years after his accident. Ken also arranged transportation for rafters to float the Bruneau River. He loved talking to rafters from all over the world and could talk trucks and trailers for hours.

Ken is survived by his parents Sidney and Judy of Bruneau, by his brother Russell of Bruneau whose wife Deidre was Ken’s caregiver for over 17 years and brother Phillip and his wife Heather of Portland, OR. Also, surviving Ken are his nieces and nephews who meant the world to him, Kaitlin, his current caregiver; Mitchell, and Ainsley Erwin of Bruneau; Travis Erwin of Grand View; Riley Erwin of Stanwood, WA; and Jackson Erwin of Portland, OR.; and his guard dog “Boots.” He was preceded in death by his best friend Dean Jayo and his grandparents.

The family would especially like to thank Jan, Betsy, and the other nurses from Horizon Home Health for their wonderful care. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Bruneau QRU or Grand View Ambulance. A service will be held at a later date. Services under the care of Rost Funeral home, McMurtrey Chapel.