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Avalanche claims life of ITD's Carl Corder

A native of the Clearwater Valley, Carl Corder loved the outdoors and exploring it from the seat of a snowmobile. ITD and District 2, along with the Orofino and Ahsahka communities lost their good friend after he was caught in a rogue avalanche Sunday (March 16) near Headquarters in north-central Idaho.

Corder, a transportation technician, worked out of the Orofino area. He began his ITD career in 1987. The following obituary appeared in the March 21 edition of the Lewiston Tribune.

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Carl Dean Corder, 60, died Sunday, March 16, 2008 when caught in an avalanche while snowmobiling outside of Headquarters on Sheep Mountain, a sport he dearly loved.

He was born Oct. 1, 1947 to Melvin Paul Corder and Eva Mae (Sperry) Corder. At age 14 Carl worked with his father Melvin (Mike) Corder, loading poles. He attended Ahsahka and Orofino schools, graduating in 1966 from Orofino High School.

In 1965 Carl began his wood working career with Barnett Logging. He also worked for his uncle, Burl Lang, Miller Logging, for Potlatch from 1977-1985, Konkolville Lumber and Davaz Logging. In 1987 he started his career with the Idaho Department of Transportation, where he worked at the time of his death as a transportation technician.

In 1963 he moved with his family to Orofino. Carl married Carol Ann Bausch on July 1, 1967 in Lewiston. In addition to his full time job, in April 1995 Carl took on a “part time” job and purchased an excavator. This put him back in the woods where he preferred to be. He built home sites, roads and ponds. Whatever you needed he was up for the challenge, making more friends in the process.

Carl was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He never met a stranger and always made time to stop and talk to a friend. He would give you the shirt off his back and not think twice about it. He loved his family more than can be said. Spending time with them completed his life. He was proud of each and every one of them, but his grandchildren had an extra special place in his heart. He did everything in his power to be involved in their lives.

Carl and Carol would take off for Redmond, OR to see Michelle and Ted, to watch Adam play baseball and Ashlee in her dance recital; or head up town after work to watch Jadyn play ball or a school play and see Carson in his preschool Christmas program. Whenever possible he participated in all of our lives.

As a child living in Ahsahka his days were spent with his brothers and sisters, the Jenks family and Bobbie Hammond. As a teen, other friends came along including Bob and Larry Kaufman, Alan Sparks and Bill Campbell to name a few. Oh, the stories these boys can tell you, just ask them. They are sure to bring a smile to your face and keep you in stitches. His abundance of friends has multiplied over the years, far too many to count.

Carl loved the outdoors, spending fall hunting with his son Brian. When winter came they were off on the snowmobiles, making the most of life, enjoying life.

He was Commander and member of the VFW, coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball, umpired many of Michelle’s softball games, plus being an avid fan. He was also president and member of the Orofino Ridge Runners and was currently serving on the Riverside Water and Sewer board. Carl also helped deliver Christmas baskets many years and many of you know him as the face behind the wheel of the “Whoopie” car in the Lumberjack Days Parade.

Carl and Carol were very much in love, always holding hands and sneaking in a kiss. They enjoyed life together, taking in Mariners games in Seattle with friends or just hopping in the car and going for a drive, anything to be together. They had dinner date nights out. The ritual was Friday nights with friends and once a month on Tuesday they met for dinner with their family in Orofino, to catch up on life and have some laughs about old times.

In 1965 Carl joined the Army National Guard and completed his basic training in Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He was called to active duty May 1968, serving in Vietnam until August 1969. Carl was an E6 Staff Sergeant and received the Army Commendation Medal. This is given to the brave individuals who went above and beyond what was expected.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Eva Mae Corder.

Survivors are wife Carol Corder of Orofino, daughter/son-in-law Michelle (Corder) Rainville and Ted Rainville of Redmond, OR, son Brian Corder of Orofino, granddaughter Ashlee Rainville and grandson Adam Rainville of Redmond, OR, granddaughter Jadyn Corder and grandson Carson Corder of Orofino, brother/sister-in-law Merv and Dona Corder of Puyallup, WA, brother/sister-in-law Ronald (Bud) and Kathy Corder of Athol, sister/brother-in-law Frances and Butch Crooks of Orofino, sister Peggy Corder of Orofino, brother/sister-in-law William and Joan Corder of St. John, WA, sister/brother-in-law Anita and Brian Satterwhite of Heyburn, brother/sister-in-law Rodney and Sonna Corder of Orofino, Aunt Thaice Lange of Orofino, father/mother-in-law Leo and Erma Bausch of Asotin, WA, brothers-in-law Fred Bausch of Juliaetta and Lloyd Bausch of Lewiston.

In addition he is survived by sister-in-law Mary Morrill and Galen Farnik of Niobrara, NE, brother/sister-in-law Kelly and Del Rae Stueckrath of Norfolk, NE, sister/brother-in-law Joni and Bernie Olberding of Lincoln, NE and brother/sister-in-law Bob and Kim Stueckrath of Las Vegas, NV, plus many cousins, nieces nephews and dear friends.

Viewing is Friday, March 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Pine Hills Funeral Chapel. A traditional service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, March 22 at the Orofino Tabernacle Church with a graveside service to follow at Riverside Cemetery in Orofino. Jeremy Gering will officiate. There will be a potluck dinner following the service at the Armory. Food for the dinner can be dropped off at the church starting at 9 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to your favorite charity.