Derek Cantrell

Derek Cantrell, 77, of Buhl passed away Thursday, July 11, 2013 at St. Luke's Hospital in Twin Falls, Idaho following a short illness.
Derek was born on May 9, 1936 to Charlie and Vivian Cantrell in Twin Falls, Idaho. He attended school at the Lincoln School until he was ten, when the family bought a farm north of Buhl where he lived until his death. Derek graduated from Buhl High School in 1954 and joined the Army in the fall of that same year. Derek served two years in the Army in Germany. When Derek returned in January of 1957 from the Army, he started farming and soon thereafter met his wife Georgia Downey. They were married in June of 1957. Derek and Georgia welcomed their daughter, Shannon, and sons, Rick and Kurt, within the first fours years of being married and daughter Tara ten years later.
Derek was an active member of the Buhl community. He was a member of the Buhl School District School Board from 1963 to 1976, where he was instrumental in the purchasing of the land that the Middle and High Schools now occupy. While a member of the Clear Lake Country Club Board of Directors they expanded the golf course from 9-holes to an 18-hole course. He was also a member of the Buhl Rotary Club for a number of years, Twin Falls Sugar Beet Growers Association Board and the Farm Credit Board.
Derek and Georgia farmed north of Buhl until 2000 when Derek retired. Derek was one of the first growers of Coors barley and received many grower awards through the years. He was a competitive person and was always striving to be the best grower of crops throughout the valley.
In his retirement Derek enjoyed playing golf with Georgia and they travelled to many chapman tournaments. They also enjoyed playing cards and traveling in general. One of Derek's biggest adventures was his trip to the Soviet Union (at the height of the Cold War) in 1988. He enjoyed his fishing trips with his friends through the years. Derek had a special group of friends who he enjoyed spending Thursday afternoons with.
Derek is survived by is wife of 56 years, Georgia; his children Shannon Cantrell, Rick Cantrell , Kurt (Lisa) Cantrell and Tara (Mike) Tandrow; with 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents, sister Mescal, and his in-laws Max and Leora Dwyer.
The family would like to thank the many care givers that Derek had over the last few months.
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at West End Cemetery in Buhl. A viewing will be held from 5 -7 pm, Monday, July 15, 2013 at Farmer Funeral Chapel.
Donations in Derek's name can be made to the Buhl Public School Foundation or to the Buhl QRU.