Lee Barigar

Lee Delmar Barigar, 69, of Buhl died on August 27, 2021, at his home. Lee was born on April 24, 1952, in Twin Falls to D.A. “Al” and Marjorie Barigar. He spent his childhood at the Barigar Poor Farm in the Fairview area with older brothers Neal and Daryl.

Lee attended Buhl schools and excelled academically. His senior quote was “Life is a kaleidoscope of many colored faces” and his pursuits reflected this philosophy. He participated in football and basketball, theatre, science club, and was a member of the National Honor Society.

After graduating from Buhl High School in 1970, Lee worked on the farm with his dad while brothers Neal and Daryl served tours in Vietnam. Upon their return, the three boys continued the farming of both the Poor Farm and the Cornie Place.

In 1980, Lee’s life of adventures kicked off with an opportunity to work in Libya for the Food Development Corporation teaching the Libyans how to improve their farming skills. He managed dozens of workers and thousands of acres of crops - even having the chance to show off the operation to Colonel Gaddafi when he arrived for a tour in October of 1980. While in Libya, Lee took the opportunity to spend some of his R&R time traveling throughout Europe including London, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Hamburg, Munich, and Amsterdam.

After returning to the U.S., Lee attended the University of Idaho earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture in 1989 (and as he was always quick to point out, graduated with the highest GPA of any Barigar who attended college).

Lee put his degree to work as a pesticide inspector for the Idaho and Washington Departments of Agriculture until his retirement from working for the government. He then spent some time working against the government as a consultant assisting those being investigated by the departments.

Lee returned to the farm in Buhl following Marjorie’s death and used it as a home base for his further adventures heading up to Crouch and Garden Valley for turkey hunting, managing a couple of rental properties in American Falls, exploring the desert, trying to catch some fish, and keeping an eye on the farm operations. While Lee may have had a gruff exterior, there was kindness in his heart to make new friends and do what he could to give them a helping hand.

He is survived by his nephew, Shawn (Camille) Barigar; great-nephews, Brock and Xander; sister-in-law; Maggie Himmelberger (Bob); niece, Robyn Cheney (Merrill) and their son, Andy. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Daryl and Neal.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 10, 2021, at the West End Cemetery, Buhl, followed by a celebration of his life at TJ’s Lounge in Buhl.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on Lee’s memorial webpage at www.farmerfuneralchapel.com.