Lee F. Margrave III, 59, of New Plymouth, Idaho, died Tuesday, Jan. 14 in a freak accident while on a sport fishing vacation in Boca Chita, Panama.

He was born in Clinton, Tenn. to Frank Lee Margrave, Jr. and Barbara (Courteman) Margrave. His youth was spent in Tennessee before moving to Oakdale at age 10 in 1964. He graduated from Oakdale High School in 1973. He played football, basketball, and wrestling. He also attended Modesto Junior College.

After college he went to work at his wife’s (Cheryl Harvey) family business, learning the construction trade. He continued in that trade, opening his own business, Margrave Construction, Inc.

In 1992, he moved from California to New Plymouth, Idaho, where he continued with his construction business.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His annual trips included Canada for moose hunting and Panama for sport fishing. He was a certified scuba diver, obtaining his advanced diver certificate in 2013. He was very active in many sports, competing in football, basketball, wrestling, archery and weight lifting. He stayed active and continued with multiple outdoor activities throughout his life.

He is survived by his ex-wife and fiancé, Cheryl (Goff) Margrave Harvey of New Plymouth, Idaho; son, Dustin Lee Margrave of Sterling, Colo.; stepchildren, Christopher Harvey, Brieanna Harvey, both of San Diego, Jenna Harvey-Woods of Riverbank; brother, Steve Margrave of Sisters, Ore.; sister, Beth (Margrave) Stanley of Modesto; grandson, Weston Lee Margrave; and nieces, Amy Stanley, Jennifer Henson, both of Modesto; great-nephew, Tyler Stanley; and great-nieces, Megan and Emily Henson.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be held at 12 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21 at Church of Christ, 620 W. F St., Oakdale. A lunch will follow.

The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader

Feb. 12, 2014