Rodney Grant Chandler, 70, of Saint Anthony, Idaho completed his earthly mission on Tuesday, May 30, 2023 in his wife's arms. It was their 48th Wedding Anniversary. He had battled Acute Leukemia for the past 5 months.

Rod was born on October 25, 1952 in Rigby, Idaho to Grant and Donna Chandler and is the oldest of their 4 children. He and his family lived in Texas, California and Montana as his father worked with the US Border Patrol. By age 11 his family settled back in Idaho.

He and his siblings loved living along the Henry's Fork River. As a student he played basketball and played the keyboard in a band. He was an avid hunter and when he was 14 years old he shot a huge moose that scored 4th in the State. He graduated from South Fremont in 1971. After graduation, he expected to go serve with many of his classmates in the Vietnam War but did not receive medical clearance due to being legally blind in his right eye.  He served a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Canada Maritime Mission. It was here he solidified a firm testimony of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. He also made many dear friends which he kept throughout his life.

He returned home and began to study History at Ricks College. This is where he met his wife and eternal companion Avis.  They were sealed for time and eternity in the Oakland California Temple on May 30th, 1975. No two people were a better match for each other. They raised 5 children. Rod was a loving, patient, and generous father who supported them in every way. Later, he totally immersed himself as Grandfather to 19 grandchildren.

Rod became licensed with the Idaho State Insurance Commission and joined his father's business at Chandler Insurance in St. Anthony, ID.  He worked with his father and brother Craig to create a trusted and successful agency that they ran together for over 50 years.  His sister and many children and friends came and went as employees throughout that time. Rod loved the many close associations he created in St. Anthony and the many surrounding communities.

Rod was an EMT and served with the Fremont County Ambulance Service for about 14 years. He loved the adrenaline and validation of the ambulance runs and helped assist and save strangers and friends in dire circumstances.  Rod's service also included: Scout Master, Bishop, Stake YM President (twice), High Councilman, and as a counselor in the Stake Presidency.  He felt it was a privilege to serve and he honored those responsibilities. He was truly a quiet giant.

Rod loved the outdoors and adventure. His keen interest in history and learning took him around the world. It was a joy to watch him realize so many of his life long goals. Many of these adventures contributed to making him the person he was. He loved hiking, and climbed mountains in 26 countries on 5 different continents. He also led his family and many, many, other youth groups on local hikes for decades. His biggest climbing achievement was to reach base camp #3 (21,000 ft.) of Mount Everest on his 51st birthday.

For his family, friends and community Rod lived his testimony of our Lord Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation.Rod will truly be missed in this world and never forgotten in our hearts. He is survived by his wife, Avis; Children: Kimberly (Kevin) Gilbert of South Jordan, UT. Katie Garner and Scott (Tonya) Chandler of St. Anthony, Jodie (Matt) Edgington of Morgan, UT, Jacque (Mike) Beard of Tetonia, ID, and 19 grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings Craig (Dee) Chandler, Mark (Tammy) Chandler and Laurel (Shawn) Talbot. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 5, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anthony Stake Center (247 East 4th North) with a viewing to be held at 10:00 a.m. The family will also receive friends on Sunday evening, June 4, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. also at the Stake Center.  Interment will be in the Wilford Cemetery.

Service will be live streamed at: https://my.gather.app/remember/rodney-chandler