Jay Nance died unexpectedly at his home in Boise, Idaho, July 27. He was born and raised in Prairie City and graduated from PCHS in 1979. He worked on the family ranch until allergies and injuries prompted him to move to Ontario, where he owned and managed a motel. In 1999, he moved to Boise, where he continued to work throughout Idaho correcting problems at motels.

He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman. In the summer of 1976, he crewed on the salmon troller ILHAVO. He greatly enjoyed a hunting trip to Alaska in 1988. Nance recognized and frequently mentioned the need to restore and give back to the land we use. He was an avid collector of rare cartridges with an encyclopedic knowledge of classic hunting firearms. He collected and loved the art of Thomas Kincaid. He learned great details of any subject that interested him. Woodworking was a special interest he excelled at. He loved animals and was especially good at training and using dogs.

Nance was a kind, loving, honest man. He had deep, long-lasting friendships. He will be sorely missed and forever loved.

He is survived by his parents, Bonnie Nance of Prairie City and Ralph Nance of La Grande; brother Ivan of Juneau, Alaska; and half-sister Leslie of Richland, Washington. He was predeceased by niece Madeline Nance.

A memorial service is planned for 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 15 at the Prairie City cemetery.