J. LaMar Giles

J. LaMar Giles, 86, died peacefully of natural causes on the morning of October 29, 2017.

LaMar was born on Mother’s Day on May 10, 1931 in Salt Lake City, Utah to John and Lillian Giles. He was raised in Salt Lake City with his two sisters (Arvilla and Irene) and his brother (Dale).  His early outlook on life was shaped by the Great Depression, World War II, comic books, and his love for music, particularly the musical genres of Swing and Big Band. During one of World War II’s many paper drives, he gave away his favorite collection of “Captain Midnight” comic books to help the war effort.

LaMar attended West High School in Salt Lake City where he excelled at music and other studies. His favorite instruments were the clarinet and the saxophone. After graduating West High School, Lamar attended the University of Utah where he received a degree in Business Management. While attending the University of Utah, he was a proud member of the ROTC and Kappa Sigma fraternity.

Upon graduation from college, LaMar entered the Army as an officer and served our country for two years, primarily in Korea and Japan. He ultimately attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant.  After being honorably discharged from the Army, he began his long career in finance and banking.

While working for a finance company in Boise, Idaho, LaMar met the love of his life, Joan Rasor. Despite Joan standing him up for their first date to a ballet, their love blossomed and they ultimately married in Boise, Idaho in 1959. The newlyweds began their lifelong adventure with a honeymoon in Idaho Falls, Idaho and a relocation to Salt Lake City, Utah.  LaMar continued his education at the University of Utah where he earned his Masters of Business Administration.

In the early 60’s, LaMar and Joan moved to sunny California, where LaMar spent nearly ten years working for the United California Bank in various cities throughout California. It was during this time that their family grew with the addition of their son (Lance) and daughter (Kirsten). They thoroughly enjoyed California’s beaches and lifestyle.

In the early 70’s, they once again felt the urge to return to Idaho and relocated to Boise in 1971. LaMar began a nearly 25-year career with First Security Bank (now known as Wells Fargo) where he rose through the ranks to become a Senior Vice President. He made many lifetime friends while working at the Bank and had fond memories of the people and colleagues he worked with during his career. He always gave a 110 percent (His co-workers will get this joke).

While in Boise, He made many friends and thoroughly enjoyed the wonders that Idaho’s outdoors provided. He was an avid golfer, especially during his retirement years, and learned to ski at Bogus Basin. He enjoyed spending time with his family, particularly at their two small cabins in McCall. Many great horseshoe tournaments and parties were held at the cabins over the years.

The family would like to thank all the family and friends who enriched his life over the years and want to give a particular shout-out to those in Dance Club & Dine-Around. The family would also like to thank the staff at Morningstar (Five Mile), Edgewood Springcreek (Eagle Island) and Compassus Hospice for his care during the last year or so of his life.

LaMar is survived by his loving wife Joan, his son Lance (Lisa), his daughter Kirsten, his granddaughter Conner, his brother Dale (Joyce) and his sister Irene McKay (Maurice “Mac”)

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lillian, and his sister Arvilla Poppe (Paul).  He is also survived by many nephews and nieces.