Linden Ray Pitkin, 86, of Mackay, Idaho, left this Earth on December 13, 2024, surrounded by family at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.

Dad was born October 18, 1938, in Emmett, Idaho, to George Grant Pitkin and Mildred Flake Pitkin. He grew up and attended schools in Emmett, Idaho, and graduated as Valedictorian of his class in 1957. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and later would serve in the National Guard. After his service, he would return to finish his education and obtain his teaching degree in Biology from the College of Idaho. During his early college, he met and married Linda Dorothy of Payette. This union lasted until he became a widower in 1968.

He spent a few years serving as a Fish & Game Officer in Mackay, Idaho. Dad taught Biology for nearly 20 years at the Youth Service Center in Saint Anthony, which is where he met his second wife and our mother, Sharon Pitkin, from Anaconda, Montana. They were married on June 6, 1970, at Georgetown Lake, Montana. They would make their home in Saint Anthony, Idaho, where they raised their three kids: Kevin, Tanya, and Alan. He spent several years as a Biology teacher in both North and South Fremont Schools teaching Driver’s Ed during part of this time. After teaching, he was employed for several more years by the US Forest Service in both Pinedale, Wyoming, and in Mackay. 

After retirement, our parents decided upon buying a home and retiring in Mackay. Dad would continue to keep himself busy there as an integral part of the Historical Society, Mine Hill Preservation Project, and The Mackay Museum. Anyone who knew our dad knew his love of old cars, WWII military vehicles, and all things old. He also loved books and was an avid reader throughout his lifetime. His love of reading and learning made him the smartest man we ever knew! Our dad seemed to know a little bit about almost everything and was a fountain of knowledge and knowhow! It goes without saying our Dad was an animal lover with a very strong connection to cats in particular. He was a one-in-a-million husband and father who had a very strong work ethic, incredible drive, and a funny sense of humor. He was a little man who could move mountains. Our dad was loved, respected, and cherished, and will be sorely missed by all.  

He is survived by our mom, Sharon Pitkin; son, Kevin Pitkin (Pocatello, ID); daughter, Tanya  Astle (Twin Falls, ID); and son, Alan Pitkin (St. Anthony, ID). Also surviving are his five grandchildren: Lindsey Pitkin, Garrett Astle, Brianna Astle-Turner, Hayden Astle, and Hailey Astle. 

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Linda; mother, Mildred Grogan; step-father, Jim Grogan; father, George Pitkin; step-mother, Lillian Pitkin; brother, David Jay Pitkin; and good friends, Pat and Leonard Wall. Leonard was a dear friend of nearly 60 years and was our dad’s old car and Army truck buddy. 

At his request, no services will be held.