Vicki Garvin, 74

Vicki was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on March 30, 1952, to Robert and Joan Garvin. She graduated from Pocatello High School in 1970, where she was an outstanding gymnast.

After graduating, she decided to see the U.S. — hitchhiking across the country, accompanied by a big, black dog named Bear. She spent some time in a commune in Connecticut, eventually hitching her way to Dutch Harbor, Alaska, where she worked on a fishing boat, in a cannery, drove a cab and delivered propane tanks. She later resided in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and worked as the parts manager at the Toyota dealership. She was married briefly, soon realizing that her choice of husband was flawed.

Retiring in 2014, she returned to Pocatello (in her own car this time), purchasing a restored and upgraded gingerbread Queen Anne on South Hayes Avenue, where she lived the remainder of her life.

Vicki had a strong intellect and was well-read. She enjoyed good wine and cool jazz. She would not suffer fools.

Her health began failing in 2023, and in October of 2025, she was told that she might have a year to live. She wanted a last fling, and embarked in late April on a Mississippi River Cruise with two lifelong friends, Regina Denny Freckleton and Katie Gasser Sierra. It didn't work out. On the second day of the cruise, she became seriously ill and was taken by ambulance to Baton Rouge Medical Center in Louisiana. Medical science could not stabilize what had become multiple organ failure and sepsis. She died peacefully on May 7, 2026.

Knowing there were still 2 ½ more years of Trump did nothing to fortify her will to live.

Vicki requested cremation, no public service other than a good Irish wake. She would be most pleased to know if someone would perform an act of kindness in her honor. 

She was preceded in death by her parents and older sister, Barbara Garvin Harris; stepmother Gwylda Keim Garvin; and stepsiblings Gerrine Otero and Gary Keim. She is survived by her brothers, David and Richard, and stepbrother Denny Keim, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Her wit and wicked sense of humor will be missed by those who knew and loved her.