Marion James Kayler was born Aug. 21, 1919 in Peck and grew up on the family farm. He graduated from Peck High School and attended the University of Idaho before returning to the dairy and grain farm.

He and his wife, Helen, made their home on Angel Ridge near Peck for 49 years before retiring in 1977. After retirement, they managed their timberland, traveled and spent winters in Arizona. They moved to Lewiston in 1989.

He was a well-known historian of the Nez Perce County and Peck area and authored the book Early Days in Big Canyon Country, which was published in 2006. He was a kind and generous man who had great curiosity and enthusiasm about his many projects and interests.

He served on the board of supervisors of the Nez Perce County Soil and Water Conservation District and was a member of the State Board of Directors. He also served on the Farmers Home Administration Board of Supervisors and was a charter member of the Nez Perce County Planning and Zoning Commission. He served as director of the Federal Land Bank Association and director of Lewiston Grain Growers, Inc. He was also a member of the State Tree Farmer Committee.

He was a recipient of the Idaho State Grassman of the Year Award and received the County Conservation Farmer of the Year Award. He and Helen were awarded the distinction of Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the state of Idaho.

The couple was active in the Peck United Methodist Church and attended Orchards Community Church after moving to Lewiston. In his younger years, he was a leader in 4-H, a member of the Peck Gun Club and a lifelong member of the Lewiston Elks Club.

He died Aug. 19, 2013 at 93 years of age. He was a conservation farmer, timber manager, dairyman and a valued source of community history.

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