Loris Rathbun

Loris Van Rathbun, 92, passed away October 7, 2023 in Moscow, Idaho. Loris was born June 23, 1931 in Lewiston, Idaho to Fred and Edith Rathbun. The family settled on a farm on Moscow Mountain where Loris and his brothers would spend countless hours exploring and developing a love for the outdoors. His respect for nature remained in his heart his whole life.

Loris married Shirley Anderson on December 2, 1950 and soon they welcomed their first son, Arnie, 16 years later they welcomed a 2nd son, Vince. Loris, a skilled carpenter, built a house in Moscow where they raised their family and where Loris lived until his death. Loris used his extraordinary skills for years during his career at Washington State University. He retired from WSU in 1989 but stayed busy with jobs doing carpentry work for folks that knew of his talent for building things. Loris loved hunting and fishing and passed that passion on to his sons who joined him every fall for elk hunting in the mountains of the St. Joe country. His home was decorated with many trophies from successful hunts, including a set of elk antlers that scored 384 on the Boone and Crocket scale.

Loris is survived by his two sons and daughter-in-law, Arnie and Terri Rathbun, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and Vince Rathbun of Moscow, Idaho, one granddaughter, Patricia Rathbun and her two sons, Derrick and RJ, a very special friend and bonus son, Larry Squires and wife, Kim and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, his parents and three brothers, Fred, Jerrold and Ron Rathbun.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00A.M. Friday October 13, 2023 at Moscow City Cemetery. 

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