R. "Kem" Wilde

Kem Wilde, age 53, of Island City and formerly of Union, died Sunday, February 23, 2003 at his home following an extended illness.


At his request there will be no public services. Private interment will be held later. Arrangements are entrusted to Daniels Chapel of the Valley.


Kem was born on January 6, 1950 in La Grande to Royal and Norine (Kofford) Wilde. The family lived Union and he graduated from high school in 1968. On September 8, 1972 he married Margie Sarman in Winnemucca, Nevada. They made their home in Union where he farmed hay, grain and Angus cows. He enjoyed his cows and being in the outdoors until illness forced his retirement. He loved spending time with his family and his grandson. He enjoyed watching professional Bull Riding and camping.


Survivors include his wife, Margie of Island City; son, Royal K. Wilde of Parma, Idaho; grandson, J.J. Wilde of Parma; sister and brother-in-law, Trudy and Phil Yeargain of Union; nephew, Brian Yeargain of Meridian, Idaho; mother-in-law, Rita Sarman of Union; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Les & Jonni Sarman of Nampa, Idaho, Peg & Charlie Short of Cove, Kathy & Keith Montgomery of Union, Ron & Brenda Sarman of Arkansas and Janeen & Olen Nave of Wyoming; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. His parents, father-in-law, John Sarman and nephew, Monte Yeargain preceded him in death.


Those who wish may make contributions in memory of Kem to the Oregon Kidney Association or the Oregon Heart Association in care of Daniels Chapel of the Valley, 1502 7th Street, La Grande.