Walter Ireland

Walter Elmer Ireland, 54, of Mountain Home, passed away on April 5, 2011, in a Meridian hospital.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., on Monday, April 11, 2011, at Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel, in Mountain Home.

Walt was born on April 6, 1956, in Boise, to Elmer and Barbara Ireland. The eldest of three boys, he was raised in Prairie, where he attended grade school and then graduated from Mountain Home High School.

He married Debra Ann Pierce in 1972. They had two sons, Jake and Buford.

Throughout his lifetime, Walt worked in many different jobs, all the while, helping his family on their cattle ranch.

In his younger years, he was a cowboy for Harry Charters and ran a pack-string for Gordan Stimmel on Fourth of July Creek on the North Fork of the Clearwater River.

After that, he began working in the construction business. He was employed by Omega Construction & Ormond Builders before starting Ireland Construction.

After retiring his construction company, Walt started a cross-country horse hauling business, and in his later years, worked for Treasure Valley Livestock.

Walt served on the volunteer fire department in Mountain Home for many years and served as lieutenant for several of those years. He was very proud of his service to the residents of the Mountain Home area.

Walt rode broncs in his high school years and team roped his entire life. He also enjoyed watching his two boys compete in rodeos.

Another great love of his was hunting. You could find Walt in the hills, searching for a big bull or on the desert, plinking whistle pigs.

Walt was always happy to lend a hand to anyone in need. Most of the kids around Mountain Home called him "Uncle Walt," though he was the happiest when he became "Grandpa Walt."

Walt is survived by: his parents, Elmer and Barbara Ireland of Prairie; brothers Steve and Bob of Mountain Home; sons Jake and Lori of Mountain Home, and Buford and Paige of Caldwell; grandchildren Bailey, Judd, Wes and Jeb, and countless aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to the Prairie QRU, c/o Mary Cook, 524 Smith Creek Rd., Prairie, ID 83647, or the Mountain Home Fire Department Burn-out Fund, 220 S. 2nd East St., Mountain Home, ID 83647.