Dwaine Ray Samson

Dwaine Ray Samson peacefully rode off into the sunset on Feb. 7, 2023 at the age of 75, after a long battle with cancer.

 Dwaine was born on July 26, 1947 in Burley, Idaho to Wayne and Dorothy Samson. He was the second of their three children. 

 Dwaine spent his childhood years on a small farm in Payette County. During his years on the family farm is where his lifelong passion for rodeo began.

 In May of 1968, Dwaine graduated from Fruitland High School and shortly thereafter, was drafted into the United States Army. He spent boot camp in Fort Lewis, Wash., and then served in Vietnam in the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division for one year. After his honorable discharge, Dwaine returned to Idaho to continue pursuing his love of rodeo.

 Upon Dwaine’s return to Idaho, he reunited with and married his high school sweetheart, Vicki Erhardt. In 1974, Dwaine and Vicki were blessed with a beautiful baby girl Denise. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce. 

 Dwaine then met the love of his life, Jodi Allen, and they were wed Aug. 18, 1978. In 1984, Dwaine and Jodi were blessed with their son, Cody. 

 Dwaine spent nine years with American Fine Foods and began working at Woodgrain in Fruitland in 1993. He retired from Woodgrain in 2015. No matter where he worked, he always looked forward to coming home and spending time with his family.

 Throughout his life, Dwaine continued his love and passion with the rodeo lifestyle. Dwaine actively competed in bull riding and team roping events until the mid 1980s. This love of rodeo was so ingrained in him that he served on the board for the Payette County Rodeo for 30 years. Dwaine served as president of the board from 2006 until 2015. During these years, Dwaine could be found spending his free time making sure the rodeo grounds were in peak condition for whatever rodeo was scheduled for that evening.

 In the fall of 2009, Dwaine was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma which was caused by exposure to Agent Orange during his service in Vietnam. In true cowboy spirit, Dwaine fought hard for 14 years. He spent many of these years making memories with his children and grandchildren, who will hold these warm moments in their hearts for the rest of their lives.

 Dwaine was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Elaine Wells; and his niece, Angie Samson.

 Besides his wife of 44 years, Dwaine is survived by his children, Denise (Chris) Mayes and Cody (Susan) Samson; his brother Paul Samson; and his grandchildren Christopher (Harlie) Mayes, Cobie (Hope) Mayes, Mreona Mayes, Hannah Samson, Hayden Samson, many nieces and nephews and new found siblings Victoria (Jeff) Twombly, Joe Rodriguez and Amie (Joe) Quevedo. 

 Memorial services will be held on March 11, 2023 at 3 p.m. at the Weiser Christian Church.