Fred Williard

Calvin F Williard, simply known as Fred, passed away at his home on July 24, 2021.  Fred was born in Salem Oregon.  As a young boy he moved to Gooding where he was raised by his mother Leora and step father Lawrence Williard.

Fred married Betty Thompson on July 30, 1950. After their first child was born, they moved to Kooskie, Idaho while Fred worked in the lumber industry.  Daniel, their second child was born during this time in Grangeville, Idaho.  For 62 years they built their life together, mostly in Gooding.  This is where they raised their 4 kids and always had a home for grandkids to visit.  They also enjoyed their time together in Pine Id where they built a cabin.  Fred was famous, with the family for FREDS FABULOUS FLAPJACKS that he would make every morning at the cabin.  Grandkids have memories of Grandad making homemade ice cream at the annual family reunions.  Summers were usually spent working on projects while winters were for snowmobiling.  He could always be found in the evening in his chair with a Louie L’Amour book in his hand.  He was also a big fan of John Wayne, watching each of his movies numerous times. 

Fred was a hard-working man.  His career was in the National Guard. Many years as a mechanic for the Guard in Gooding, Jerome and Buhl. He even had a hand is planning the existing armory as it was moved from what is now the exhibit building at the Gooding Fairgrounds.  Over time he took the job as 1SG at the Gooding armory.  He earned a lot of respect from his soldiers as he did his job as drill Sgt on the weekends. The highlight of this career was riding with the 116th Mounted Cavalry in the parade for the inauguration for Lyndon Johnson in Washington DC.  After retiring from the Guard, he worked at logging, while living at his cabin. Later in life he operated the Gooding County Landfill where he spent much of his time running a CAT dozer.

Fred kept busy in retirement tinkering around the house. Retirement also meant more time to travel and spend time with family and friends.  Winters were eventually spent in Arizona.  A few years after the death of wife Betty, Fred found friendship and companionship with Janet Draper.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty and one grandson Jason Williard.  He is survived by sons Calvin (Linda) Williard, Dan (Kay)Williard and Bill Williard and one daughter Dollie (John) Bonneau.  He was known as Granddad to 10 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Frank (Ibbs) Hale and former wife Janet Draper Williard.

A Celebration of life will be held on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at 11:00 AM at the Gooding Basque Center.

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