Samuel A. Denney

Samuel Alvin Denney, 82 passed away peacefully with his wife of 54 years by his side, Friday December 4,2020 at the Royal Villa in Payette, Idaho.

Born and raised in Midvale Idaho, he was the son of Jim and Viola Denney. In his early years, Sam would work multiple jobs for different farmers, ranchers or at the saw mill to help make ends meet.

Sam was drafted in to the Army in 1961, and was sent to Fort Ord and then later sent to Korea where he was stationed for 13 months He was discharged in 1963.

When he got home he went to work for Morrison Knudsen. The highlights of his working career were when he was working on Hells Canyon Dam and Brownlee Dam. Sam also helped build many roads and the US Bank Building in Boise. Sam met the love of his life in Weiser (he can thank one of his co-workers for this). They were married in 1966. In 1981 they purchased “The lot” on Brownlee Summit. Sam started growing his own trees from pine cones. Once they got big enough he would take them to “the lot” and plant them, which meant he had to water them a couple of times a week—a good excuse to go for a drive. 

Sam retired from MK in 1991. After retiring he spent a couple of summers building fence on the Forest Service with his brother Lawerence, Nephew Michael Denney and Great-Nephew Ryan Sherman. With Uncle Sam if you wanted to leave at 6am you would tell him about 6:30 because he was always at least 30 minutes early.

Sam enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, gardening and spending time with family. Sam was known for his radishes and tomatoes.  Many people around the valley benefitted from his garden. He also enjoyed playing practical jokes--which for those of you that we a part of one--I'm sure you can still hear his laughter. Throughout the years Sam had many dogs and cats that he enjoyed. He made many trips taking the dogs for rides and letting them run. Sam and Marcia also enjoyed venturing out and about, there are not many back roads they haven’t taken.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Marcia Denney, Sister Ellen Potter and husband Milford, Sister Melva Mock and husband John, Brother Lawerence Denney and wife Donna, and many Nephews, Nieces, great nephews and great nieces.

 Graveside services with Military Honors will be held at the Midvale Eastside Cemetery in Midvale, Idaho on Friday, December 11, 2020 at 2 pm.  Services are under the direction of the Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel, Payette. 

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