Travis Dayton Dilleha
PICABO - On
the morning of Monday, March 5, 2007, Travis Dayton Dilleha, lovingly known as
"Papa Trav," left this world to meet his maker. Travis passed away at
the Double R Ranch in Picabo,
Idaho.
Born on Aug. 14, 1938, in Davidson County, Tenn.,
Travis had spent his early years working with his dad on several different
farms raising tobacco and dairy cows. His love for animals began early in his
life, and as a teenager was proud to be named the Tennessee Junior Dairyman of
the Year. Travis graduated from East
Robertson High
School, where he was a star player on the
football team. While in high school, he also began his military career by
joining the National Guard. Travis' service in the Army took him to Vietnam, and he
was later part of the Company "C" Fifth Special Forces. He
continued to serve in the armed forces until his 1988 military retirement.
Travis married his true love, Sherry Ary Roberts, in 1976. In 1990, he retired
after 25 years from his civilian career as a Tennessee wildlife officer.
His sense of adventure soon found he and Sherry in an RV,
traveling and spending time fishing and enjoying the great outdoors, which he
loved. Picabo, Idaho, became more than a favorite vacation
spot as they settled into their nook on the Silver Creek, where Trav became a
fly-fishing guide to many fishermen. In 2003, Travis completed an extended
labor of love, building his own airplane, which he appropriately named, Lori
Darlin', (since Trav, aka "Gus"), could easily quote the entire
script of Lonesome Dove). He had since flown 1,200-plus hours in his travels
from one end of the country to the other, but Idaho back country flying had proven to be
his favorite pastime.
Travis had many loves in his life. Whether he was looking
through a lens, riding the open range (wearing his 10-gallon hat), casting a
line upstream, or soaring in the skies, he loved life and lived it to the
fullest. There was no question that "people" were his business. He
touched many hearts from all over the world. He was loved by all because he
loved all. A friend noted that the "pebbles he tossed" indeed, make
big circles!
Travis will be greatly missed. He will be remembered as a
man that could do anything he set out to do. He had a great amount of courage
and faith, which was even more evident through the last few months of his life.
There was no mountain too high, no river too wide, no canyon too deep, never a
challenge too great. He was always ready for "the draw" - whatever
was dealt! Trav was a hero - a legend, and legends never die.
Travis Dilleha is survived by his wife, Sherry, and
children, Crystal, Dawn, Jason and Brett, all of Tennessee, and six grandchildren. Also
surviving are his sister, Nancy Warren, and uncle, aunt and several cousins. At
his request, there will be no funeral service. His ashes will be scattered from
"Lori Darlin'" along Silver Creek at the Double R Ranch. Arrangements
are under the care of Wood River Chapel of Hailey.
• Published Friday, March 9, 2007 in the Times News Magic Valley Obituaries
Terry Glover
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