Obituary of Harley Vance

Harley David Vance  -  January 4, 1939 – April 18, 2018

His teasing and mischievous smile will be greatly missed!  Our Harley went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 18, 2018, while at home surrounded by his family and friends, due to complications of Parkinson’s Plus Multi-System Atrophy disease.

Harley was born on January 4, 1939 in Clovis, NM, seventh of eight children born to Troy and Irene (Widner) Vance. The family moved to the community of Dixie just west of Caldwell, Idaho in 1944. Harley attended the Red Top School through 8th grade, and afterwards attended Caldwell High School, graduating in 1957. He spent his childhood on the family farm where he developed his life-long passion for horses.  At the age of 17, he joined the Idaho National Guard and served for 4 years followed by  4 years in the US Army Reserves. He spent the rest of his working years pursuing his love of horses, raising, training and racing Appaloosas, Thoroughbreds, and Quarter Horses. His racing stable was based in Boise at Les Bois Park and he traveled to races throughout the West.

After marrying Jean Brandt Brobeck on October 29 1999, he spent his retirement enjoying square dancing with family and friends, taking care of their home in Meridian and cabin in McCall (he could fix anything!), enjoying family – often playing cards or dominoes (usually winning!), enjoying travel and cruising, attending church and activities there, and enjoying the activities of his grandchildren he loved so much. 

He was dearly loved and is survived by his wife of 18 years, Jean Vance, son Richard Vance, daughters Deena (Craig) Shoemaker and  Kathi (Don) Baumgartner, grandchildren: Blake (Anya) Shoemaker, Kate Shoemaker,  and Jessica, Lucas, Lance and Lauren Baumgartner; his sisters Coralee (Lloyd) Looney and Jill (Bill) Taylor; brother Wayland (Debbie) Vance; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by brothers, Arthur, Troy and Troyce and sister, Mary Ellen.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Summers Funeral Home, 3629 E. Ustick Road, Meridian ID, from 6:00 to 7:30pm.  Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, April 29, 2018, at 1:30 pm at Valley Shepherd Church of the Nazarene, 150 W Maestra St., Meridian, ID.  Graveside Services to follow at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens, 4255 E Fairview Ave., Meridian, ID.

The family wishes to thank First Choice Hospice for the love and care they gave Harley and Jean, allowing him to remain at home with his family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Pines Camp and Conference Center, 55 SW 5th Avenue, Suite 100, Meridian, ID 83642.