Harvey LaVar Steel

Harvey LaVar Steel (82) of Twin Falls, Idaho died peacefully Wednesday May 25th in Twin Falls. LaVar Steel, husband, father, grandfather, Idaho artist, educator, mentor, and friend was born the 25th of March, 1934 in Basin (NE) Oakley, Cassia County, Idaho, to Harvey James Steel, and Mabel Minnie Johnson. He married Sharon Lou Tinney (1936-1988) on the 5th of December 1955 in Richmond, Indiana and was sealed to her in the LDS Salt Lake Temple in 1959. He married Marian Diane Meline Helms on the 1st of August 2002 in Boise, Idaho. LaVar was a devoted son, husband, father, and grandfather to his family throughout his life. He will be greatly missed by them all. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints who served as a teacher, scout master, bishop, stake clerk, and Boise Idaho temple ordinance worker. His last calling before his death was to serve in the nursery with his wife Marian where he dearly loved playing with the young children. LaVar was Professor Emeritus of the College of Southern Idaho He was a noted Idaho artist who was awarded the governor’s award in art in 2005. LaVar was an accomplished potter, painter, and sculptor, whose works are noted for their beauty and diversity regionally and nationally. LaVar began his career at Boise State Junior College in 1959 and moved to CSI as the first art faculty in 1966 and then retired in 1997. Dr. Jeff Fox notes that during his time at CSI LaVar also served as the Chair of the Fine Arts Department and President of the Department Chairs. The CSI LaVar Steel Art Complex stands as a memorial to the colleague who shared his talents with students and community alike. “He will be missed more than words can express. LaVar was not just our co-worker but our good friend as well.” LaVar was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Sharon (1988). He is survived by his brothers and sister: James Steel (Corina), Provo, Ut.; Larae Hales (Keith), Alpine Ut.; Virgil Steel (Alice), Santa Clara, Ut.; and his wife Marian, Twin Falls, Id. He is also survived by his children: Laine Steel (Linda), Twin Falls, Id.; Tamara Mckinnon (Grant), Prince Albert CAN.; Scott Steel, Twin Falls, Id.; Randy Steel (Deana), Twin Falls, Id.; Susan Lee (David), Santaquin, Ut.; Wendi Gonzales (Garth), Twin Falls, Id.; Nicole Steel, Twin Falls, Id.; and 14 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. LaVar is also survived by Marian’s children: Brandon Helms (Mindy), Harrison, Id.; Jared Helms (Michelle), Twin Falls, Id.; Trista Funk (Steve), Logan, Ut.; Preston Helms (Alayna), Sioux Falls, SD.; and Marian’s 15 grandchildren. A Viewing will be held at the Rosenau Funeral Home in Twin Falls from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Monday May 30th. Another viewing will be held at the LDS Chapel on Park Ave. in Twin Falls on Tuesday May 31st from 11:30-12:30 A family gathering and prayer will be from 12:30-1:00 The Memorial Service will be at 1:00 p.m. Interment will be at the Basin (NE) Oakley, Id. Cemetery following the Memorial Services.