Bruce R. Dreher (1931-2024)

We have lost a phenomenal man. Bruce R. Dreher, 92, of Grangeville, Idaho, and formerly of
Slate Creek, Idaho, died of natural causes on Sunday, July 21, 2024.

He was born in Acton, Massachusetts in 1931 to Gerald and Martha Dreher. Bruce attended
University of New Hampshire where he met the love of his life, Nancy, and graduated with a
Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Forestry.

Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and moved west with his young
bride. Initially, he worked on the Nez Perce National Forest in Idaho. As his career progressed
with the USFS over the next decades, he also worked on the Custer Gallatin National Forest in
Montana; the Little Missouri National Grasslands in North Dakota; and eventually returned to
the Nez Perce where he retired. His primary responsibilities were in rangeland management, and
he was always eager to jump on the fire line during fire season.

As he and Nancy raised their 2 children, Keith and Karen, he shared his love of the outdoors with
them. The family had many adventures kayaking, canoeing, skiing, mountaineering, spelunking,
and hunting.

After an early retirement from the USFS, the magic happened. An interest in old tools and the
preservation of historic buildings led him to his second career and primary passion—the
restoration of historical log cabins, lookouts and personal homes. He was well known and sought
after, across the Pacific Northwest, for his restoration skills and techniques. In hindsight, he
should have been an engineer. Avid viewers of Idaho Public Television may have caught him
and Nancy on episodes of Outdoor Idaho and Antiques Roadshow.

Those close to him, fondly remember his quirky sense of humor and amusing turns of phrase
including: “redogulator”; “one, two, seven”; and “what an outfit!” We also remember his
selflessness. If you ever complemented one of his possessions in his presence, he was likely to
give it to you as a parting gift.

Bruce is survived by his wife Nancy N. Dreher of Grangeville, Idaho; son Keith Dreher of Great
Falls, Montana; daughter Karen Dreher and her partner Starr Johnson, both of Boise, Idaho.

A memorial will follow later this fall with date and location to be determined--an announcement
will be in the Idaho County Free Press. Arrangements are under the direction of the Blackmer
Funeral Home, Grangeville. Send condolences to the family to blackmerfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any charitable donations in memory of Bruce’s life and
love, be made to Preservation Idaho, The Idaho Historic Preservation Council.