Lyle Eugene Points

Lyle E. Points, age 71, of Alta, formerly of Donnelly, ID, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at Mercy Medical Center of Sioux City.  A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2019 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at the the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Holstein with Pastor Pete Bunnell officiating.  Burial will be at a later date. Lyle’s Family wishes that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Hap and Florence Points Memorial Sleigh Rides at PO Box 53, Donnelly, Idaho  83615.

Lyle Eugene Points was born on September 19, 1947 to Vernon E. and Florence M. (Stewardt) Points in Council, Idaho.  He graduated from McCall-Donnelly High School in 1966, and then earned a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science in 1972 at the University of Idaho.  Lyle continued his education at the University of Idaho earning a Master’s Degree in Range Management in 1975. 

Lyle was united in marriage to Anna Kathleen “Kathy” Points on April 4, 1970 in Moscow, Idaho.  To this union two children were born, Kelli and Scott.  They lived in Moscow, Idaho from 1970-1975, then Melville, Montana from 1975-1977, Twin Falls, Idaho from 1977-2016 then moved to Alta, Iowa in 2017. 

Lyle worked at several jobs during his career as a Ruminant Nutritionist.  He started at Fairview Angus Ranch in Melville, Montana, then to Western Stockmen Supply in Twin Falls, Idaho, then at Allison Mills in Filer, Idaho, and retired from Points Ranch of Donnelly, Idaho as a manager.  He ran Hap and Florence Points Memorial Sleigh Rides in Donnelly, Idaho from 1988-2017.

He was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity, Foreman of a Hot Shot Sawyer Crew at Payette National Forest and a board member of the Roseberry Irrigation District and the Valley Soil and Water Conservation District.  He enjoyed spending time with family, photography, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.  He was passionate about wildlife and loved working cattle, horses and horseback riding, driving teams of horses, reading about elk, and sleigh rides to view elk.  Lyle cherished spending time with his family, especially one on one time with his children and grandchildren.  He enjoyed watching movies and home entertainment and trips to Yellowstone in the fall and winter.

Lyle is survived by his wife Kathy of Alta, Iowa; daughter, Kelli and husband, Mike Bartholomew of Alta, Iowa; son, Scott and wife Jessica Points of Donnelly, Idaho; grandchildren, Kade Lindback of St. Anthony, North Dakota, Jake Points of Donnelly, Idaho, Casey Points of Donnelly, Idaho, Kimber Bartholomew of Alta, Iowa; sisters, Arlene Griffiths and Elaine Nelson, both of Boise, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his parents in 1988.

There is a well-known phrase “anyone can be a Father, but it takes someone special to be a Dad.”  In everything Dad did, family was first and foremost.  He loved to teach people new things, and teaching his kids and grand kids was a passion, be it how to work with horses, work cows, run a shovel, lift weights, skiing technique, how to throw your weight around a snowmobile, explore Yellowstone, you name it.  He seemed larger than life in his knowledge and know-how and experience base.  He definitely believed in the principal, and effectively taught, if you’re going to do something do it well and to the best of your ability. 

He had a unique, rich, and devilish sense of humor.  It’s in the genes as his father and uncles were that way as well.  And we must admit a fair amount passed on to us.  He loved to “tease” the people he liked and loved the most, however there was really no safe hiding space.  You were as likely as not to be on the receiving end of his teasing the first time you met him.  He loved the alias ‘Albert Fozzbinder’, often introducing himself as such just to see people’s reactions.  Most the time they were slightly caught off guard with such an unusual name, and as they began to reply back to him “Hello Albert Fozzbin…”, Dad’s body language and ear to ear beaming grin readily gave up the gig, and both would chuckle into a warm and humorous handshake or exchange that set the tone just how dad liked.  Nice and light and here to have a good time.  He also loved to trade barbs, receiving the good fun as good as he gave.

Lyle was a man, a father, a husband who loved unconditionally.  It was always wonderful to know that and to feel that.  He never judged on any superficial characteristics.  Character was what he valued.  And if we ever made a mistake or misdeed, the action was always separate from the person.  He may chide the misdeed or the mistake, but he never chided the individual.  And each day ended forgiven and forgotten

A son-in-law made the following observation of Lyle he thought was quite revealing.  That he was a very understanding and compassionate person. And that he truly valued all life and did everything possible to preserve and protect it, be it a human or new born animal.  He knew this because he had seen Lyle in action with the animals he so dearly loved.  He knew this because it takes a truly understanding and compassionate person to allow him to take the hand of his only daughter and his first-born grandson, who were previously never more than a few minutes away from him, and transplant them 1500 miles away.

The grand kids all agree that no one could be as lucky to have a Grandpa like Lyle.  From his endless love for his family, to the countless life lessons he was able to pass on to those around him.  He truly left a mark on them that will never be forgotten.  He always took care of others and put them first no matter how it would affect him and gave unwavering love for the people he cared about.  One of the many simple things he loved and was always ready to do, was to gather around a little campfire with a couple of hot dogs and sit down and chat a while.  Grandpa stayed strong through the hurdle’s life threw at him and he gave us the gift to live and carry on the legacy of a place we get to call home.  Thank You Grandpa.

Lyle/Dad/Grandpa was an incredible person.  He had strong character and strong values.  He was tough and tender, he loved life and lived it hard.  To list everything he did, all the experiences he had, all the places he had been and things he had done, no one would actually believe it.  About halfway in, it would begin to sound as though tall tales were being told.  But we know better.  Because where he led, we followed (or were sometimes lovingly pushed).  And thank God for it, our lives have been made so rich from the example he set and the trail he blazed.  And besides the stories, he was proud of the physical 'nicks' he had here, and the scars he had there, to serve as a road map of 'mementos' to help tell the story of a life fully lived.

He practiced what he preached...honesty, integrity, keep your word and say what you mean and do what you say.  He was, what might nowadays, be considered 'old school'.  If, and when, he gave his word, he kept it...period.  As an example, his parents entrusted him to honor their Last Will and Testament.  And from the time of their passing in 1988 until his passing on Easter Sunday 2019, he held like an absolute rock abiding by their wishes.  He honored his word and never faded even for a minute...even though he suffered greatly personally for it at the hands of some.  We have yet to meet his peer...not even close.

    He loved God and the world He created.  He loved his family, his kids, and his grand kids.  He could not have been prouder of them, or more thankful for them.  He loved all life, especially new life from wildlife to puppies to calves and baby pigs and horses, and on and on he loved them all.  He especially loved the new life of human babies and young children.  

He loved a good story.  He was never in a hurry, and hoped you weren't either (unless he didn't like you).  He always had more to visit and share, and more he wanted to hear...eagerly awaiting you to respond in kind.  To him, there was always more time to visit.  

   He loved America, and the Flag, and all the brave Military people and Veterans throughout American history...those who created the country originally, and all those who have defended Her from the past through to the present.  He loved freedom and independence and every single founding aspect that has made America the best country in the world.  And he certainly knew our freedom wasn't, and isn't, free.

He loved life, and he taught us well.  We are so thankful God blessed us with him.  We will miss him more than words can say, but are extremely thankful for all the valuable teachings, experiences, and memories he gave us.  Enough for several lifetimes.  

    If you're reading this, these are some of the things he might say...work hard, but play hard, love and cherish your family and your friends, be serious but never too serious, trust in God, he'll meet you in the middle (even though it might not always be clear).  And most of all...live life!  THANK YOU, DAD, WE LOVE YOU!

Saddle up Cowboy!  This was truly your life; loving the times you rode Fox, or Chief, or Prince, and countless others, and driving the sleigh to view the elk with Deck and Doll, Captain and King, and countless others.  You were a true cowboy.  This anyone could tell.  Your word was your bond.  Not working for money, but working to make things better, and the love of the land, and the ranch and the mountains.  Your cowboy boots walked many miles, now your life with us here in Long Valley is over.  God has plans for you up in heaven.  He needs help training some new horses and needs a nutritionist's expertise for his cows on the 'back 80.'  Your mom and dad, and all the generations you have so missed are waiting for you.  It’s going to be a family reunion.  Your dad’s anxious to have you by his side again, to be able to ride side by side again in Heaven...you know he's waiting.

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