Kyle J. Wilson

Upon graduation, Kyle returned to the family farm on the Tom Beall, where he not only cultivated and nurtured his crops, but his other passions as well. Those included his Catholic faith; his family and friends; the Sigma Nu Fraternity; the University of Idaho; and his devotion to his elected position on the Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District Board.

His passion to the community was shown through his service on the Sigma Nu Fraternity Corporation Board, and serving as financial adviser to the members of the fraternity, as well as serving as chairman of the Zeta Delta Trust Corporation. Kyle took to heart that fraternity was for life. He also served on the Joe Thometz 4-H scholarship committee for many years. Kyle served as a past board member of the Nez Perce County Cattlemen's Association. While serving as president, he established a community-wide agricultural banquet and recognition event. This event is now sponsored by the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce. His devotion to faith was demonstrated through serving as a financial committee member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Lapwai.

Kyle was also a fierce advocate of soil and water conservation, not only locally, but on a state and federal level as well. For eight terms, from 1984 to 2015, Kyle advocated for changes in legislation on a state level to address conservation needs while maintaining agricultural sustainability. He always challenged other elected officials, both locally and statewide, to take a pro-active approach in solving natural resource-based issues.

During his 31 years of service, he never settled for the status quo, because in his words "settling for the status quo equated to failure." In doing so, Kyle's passion resulted in numerous policy, procedural and statutory changes. He fixed his eye on building the capacity of local elected officials and conservation districts, and spent the vast majority of the past 24 years in doing so.

He often declared that "it is a privilege and an honor" to serve the residents of Nez Perce County. He took his role as an elected official seriously, bringing many opportunities to the area, both in terms of funding and policy changes. A fierce promoter of the wise use of natural resources, he would often challenge us all with the attitude "we can do better."

Kyle, the cheerful crusader, was always willing to offer his hand, heart and opinion. He often was able to quote local history, and often knew more about his friends and their families than they did.

Kyle was a tremendously social person, and was well-known and loved throughout the state. In true form, Kyle had attended a party for his good friends Roy (and Kate) Weber the evening before he passed. He was able to enjoy seeing and socializing with many of his friends for - regrettably - the last time.

In the words of a long time friend, "Words are inadequate to describe the sorrow at the loss of our friend. What a wonderful man, truly one of a kind! He loved people and took great interest in getting to know their story. He was passionate about faith, conservation and community. He truly believed in giving his hands and heart to helping all. He was a special gift to all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him."

Kyle is survived by his stepmother, Patsy Wilson; his siblings, Blair Wilson, Mary K. Johnson, Lori Little Aliatas, Melody Weaver and Lonny McNeal; and by many cousins, nephews, nieces and many, many fine friends. Kyle was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Roch Wilson.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Vassar Rawls. A rosary service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at All Saints Catholic Parish in Lewiston. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, also at All Saints. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Kyle's name has been set up for the benefit of the Nez Perce Soil and Water Conservation District. Contributions can be made to the Kyle Wilson Memorial Fund, either at the NPSWCD office: PO Box 131, Culdesac, ID 83524 (208) 843-2931; npswcd@co.nezperce.id.us; or at Potlatch No. 1 Federal Credit Union, 509 S. Main St., Culdesac, ID 83524 (208) 843-5100.