Harvey Dee Florence

Harvey “Dee” Florence celebrated one last birthday before passing away on December 16, 2016, surrounded by his family.  Dee was born in Morgan, Utah on December 14, 1935 to Harvey Edgar and Ruth Lucille (Anderson) Florence.  His family moved to Valley County in September of 1951.  He attended Donnelly/McCall High School, where he met his future “cook” to be, Loretta Heinrich.  They were married in 1955.  Dee joined the United States Army, which took him to Fort Carson, Fort Bliss, and finally to Fort Benning Georgia.  This is where his young wife Loretta joined him and where they started their long life together, and welcomed their first born.  In 1957 Dee was discharged from the Army and they returned to McCall, Idaho.  Always willing to do what it took to put food on the table and to pay the rent, Dee set pins by hand at the bowling alley, drove logging truck for Browns Tie and Lumber Co., and Lilburn Helmick, and helped move houses out of Stibnite to McCall, one of which was for his family to live in.  To fulfill his desire to raise his children on a farm, he purchased Carl Heinrich’s farm and later purchased the Heinrich homestead property.  They planted their boots here at Rainbow Ranch and took pride in everything they raised, most importantly their children.  Dee also ran a ranch in Gardena for a few years and also partnered with his father-in-law, Adolf Heinrich, in growing seed potatoes.  When it came time to retire, Dee sold the ranch to his son Justin.  He and Loretta then began their adventure of traveling to southern Nevada for the winter months.  These were very enjoyable times for him, and a place where he enjoyed sharing his delicious dutch oven meals with his neighbors.  Dee loved to hunt.  He had his own pack string and made many treasured memories hunting in the back county with the Saleen boys, riding his beloved horse “Red”.   He also treasured the hunting trips spent with family and friends on the south fork of the Salmon River at “Florence Flat”.   Dee was an avid sports fan.  He also served on the Lake Irrigation District for over 25 years.   Dee was one of a kind.  He always had a comeback or saying for any situation.  He will be greatly missed.   He is survived by his wife Loretta, daughters Deanna (Randy) Morell, Heidi (Lee) DeBruler, sons Scott Florence, Justin (Shirley) Florence, sisters Toni Saleen, Bonnie Ludwig, Verna Hatch, Vicki Jo James, brothers Bruce Florence, Bill Florence, 10 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and good friend Leo Ritthaler.  Preceding him in death were his son Randall, his parents, brother Monte and sister Joan.

To leave a note or condolence for Dee's family, please visit www.heikkilafuneralchapel.com

Dee was laid to rest in the McCall cemetery on December 21 ^st .   Memorial donations may be made to the Finn Church Pavilion Fund,  12 Knob Hill, McCall, ID  83638.

Arrangements in care of Heikkila Funeral Chapel, McCall.