Gaylord Heller

My Life Story Gaylord Guy Heller of Boise passed away March 8, 2018 of natural causes. Gaylord was born July 31, 1916 in Geneva, Nebraska to Otto J. and Julia Heller. Gaylord graduated from York High School in York, Nebraska in 1935 where he was a boxing and chess champion. Shortly after graduation his family moved to Boise, Idaho. Gaylord’s father was a carpenter and he soon joined him in the business where they developed Mark and Gem Streets for single family homes. Gaylord served in the Idaho Army National Guard, Troop “E”, 116th Calvary from 1936 to 1939. Gaylord married June Bybee in 1939 and they had three children: Roderick Heller (Sally) of Eagle, ID, Carolyn Heller of San Mateo, CA and Bruce Heller of San Mateo, CA. Gaylord enlisted in the US Navy in 1944 and was discharged in 1945. He was a Radarman Third Class and spent his time with the Pacific Fleet as a radar instructor. After his discharge, Gaylord partnered with Bill Woods to form a construction company in Boise. They built many homes and did remodeling in the area for several years. Gaylord moved to California in 1962 and worked for several construction companies as foreman and superintendent. Gaylord later divorced and in 1967 married Joan Smith. He gladly helped to raise her sons: James Michael Hilliard (Deborah) of Florence, AZ, Russell Smith (Kathy) of Reno, NV and Jamie Bottley of Carmichael, CA. Gaylord and Joan moved back to Boise in 2008. Gaylord was an avid fisherman, pool player, and excellent chess and cribbage player. At the age of 98 Gaylord told his son that he had always wanted to own a Ford Mustang. Rod took him shopping and he came home with a new, bright red Mustang. In addition to his children, Gaylord is survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gaylord's family would like to thank Keystone Hospice, Riverview Rehab and Brookdale Castle Hills for their loving care and attention. A special thank you to Sgt. Travis Farber USMC (Ret) for his loving support also. Military Honors will be held on Monday, March 26th at 2:00 PM at the Idaho State Veterans Cemetery 10100 N. Horseshoe Bend Road in Boise. Cremation and funeral arrangements are under the direction of Accent Funeral Home and Cremation, Meridian.