William Vern Studebaker

William Vern Studebaker, 61, of Twin Falls, drowned July 4, 2008, while kayaking on the East Fork of the South Fork of the Salmon River near Yellow Pine. Even though he might have wanted a few more years in this world, he would not have wished for a more appropriate end to his life. He was born in Salmon on May 21, 1947, to Robert Roland Studebaker and Betty L. Silbaugh. Bill grew up in the wilderness of Idaho. His childhood was charcterized by long days in the woods while his father was employed as an assistant ranger with the U.S. Forest Service. He learned to be self-sufficient outside and develope a love for Idaho's outdoors. He graduated from Salmon High School in 1965 and attended Idaho State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in History and Master of Arts in English. On August 23, 1969, he married his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Judy K. Infanger, in Salmon. They moved to Twin Falls when Bill began teaching for the College of Southern Idaho in 1972. During his years at CSI, he taught English, history, conceived the Honors Program and later founded the Outdoor Program. At the start of the technological era, when most people were pushing pencils, he urged the administration to set up computers for students in the classroom. He put his stamp of excellence on every hall he walked. Bill was a man of letters-an accomplished writer of both poetry and prose-and a widely published author of diverse works, including several books: "Everything Goes Without Saying," "The Cleaving," "Falling form the Sky," "Travelers in an Antique Land," "Short of a Good Promise," "Passions We Desire," "River Religion," to name only a few. Also, countless poems, stories and articles of his are scattered and published throughout the country. He served on the board of the Idaho Writer's Connection, as a commissioner for the Idaho Commission on the Arts and as a councilor for the Idaho Humanities Council. He received the 2005 Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Humanities. Bill believed one should prticipate, not spectate. He was not one to watch from the sideline or the shore. He participated with full intensity and infused a passion into those who were with him to share his love of the activity. Bill was preceded in death by his father. Survivors include his wife, Judy; and their children (who remain Bill's living legacy), Tona (Gary) Casella of Boise, Robert (Barb Brazier) Studebaker of Boise, Tyler (TJ) Newton of Twin Falls and Eric (Bethani Frantz) Studebaker of Twin Falls. Grandchildren include Marissa Casella, Alex Studebaker, Piper and Skeet Newton and Sophi and Phoebe Studebaker. He is also survived by his mother Betty Silbaugh of Jerome; his sister, Penny (Fred) Hodges of Buhl; and his brother Dennis (Leah) Studebaker of Kenai, Alaska; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12, at the CSI Herrett Center in Twin Falls. The family will visit with friends from 1 pm. Memorials may be given in Bill's name to The Cabin Literary Center, 801 S. Capital Blvd., Boise, Idaho. In lieu of flowers bring rocks, for a rock memorial garden for Bill