Darrel Jay Atwood

Jay Atwood, 87, passed away peacefully on March 21st with family by his side in Meridian, ID. He was born April 12, 1936, in Parker, ID to parents Lewis and Leona Atwood and he had 5 siblings. You could say a lot about Jay, but not being a hard worker is not one of them. His first job as teenager was driving truck hauling dirt. He worked in the road construction industry for 50 years and advanced from driver, rock crusher operator, to Foreman. His work prompted lots of travel and he did so with his 3 sons, John, Russ, and Clay, teaching them the lay of the land and importance of hard work. They eventually settled in Blackfoot, ID. He later married Cindi Mader and through her gained another son, Todd, and daughter, Rhonda. In 1982, they moved from Blackfoot to Meridian to be closer to his job. Jay and Cindi were married for 40 years.
Jay discovered fishing as a young boy; he enjoyed teaching his little sisters how and it became a lifelong passion for him. Jay also thoroughly enjoyed his horses, packing up the mountain, herding cows, and especially racing around the track. The Atwood name stood proud with many horse racing trophies over the years. There is no doubt, Jays greatest joy was his many grandchildren and great grands. Sharing his horses, going fishing, teaching the way around an engine, and helping out in hard times, “Papo” was always there for them.
There was never a doubt about where Jay stood on any topic and his ornery sense of humor will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents Lewis and Leona, wife Cindi, son Russ, sisters Letha and Verlene, and brother Milton. He leaves behind his children John, Clay, Rhonda and Todd, sisters Enith and Loy, 11 grandchildren and their growing families.