Eugene Barton Chaffee, or “Bart” to those who knew him, 79, went home to Jesus on Sunday, April 19, 2026 after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Born on July 20, 1946 to Minnie “Lois” and Eugene Chaffee, he joined an older sister, Lois Ann in Boise. Bart was debatably most known for his height and his front row seat to Boise State history. He ran track and played basketball for the Borah Lions before playing college basketball at Boise Junior College (BJC now Boise State) and the University of Idaho. He graduated from Boise College in 1969 with a degree in Physical Education and put it to use teaching in Melba and Coeur d’Alene for a few years. He returned to Boise State College for a degree in Accounting in 1975 and later earned an MBA from Boise State University in 1986. Bart started work as an accountant and would eventually settle in at the Idaho State Insurance Fund where he would work for 25+ years. In 1979, Bart met and married the love of his life, Leane. Together, the couple shared 46 wonderful years and three children, Laurissa, Raelynn, and Phillip. A natural born athlete and sports-lover, Bart loved cycling, camping, and time at the downtown YMCA. An avid cyclist, you could often see him biking to work or around town long before it was cool. He coached countless Y-ball and youth teams through the years and faithfully attended the games of his kids and grandkids to cheer them on even as his Parkinson’s progressed.If you knew Bart, you knew a faithful friend who loved Jesus and therefore others. He served alongside Leane teaching children’s Sunday School for many years and enjoyed singing in the church choir. He happily volunteered to offer a helping hand whenever needed, and spent years in a weekly prayer group to pray for the church and those in need. He’d often pen words of encouragement and send cards to others on many occasions. If he knew your email address, you may have received a slew of cheesy dad jokes through the years. He is survived by his wife, Leane Chaffee; daughter Laurissa Robinson (Jason), daughter Raelynn Cramer (Ben), son Phillip Chaffee (Ashlee), and his eight grandchildren: Zeralina, Jonathan, and Andrew Robinson; Gabrielle, Madison, and Sadie Cramer; Emmaline and Amelia Chaffee; and his sister, Lois Ann Schwarzhoff (Dale) and their families.A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 2:00 p.m. at Living Stones Church (8775 Ustick Road in Boise). Gifts to the Boise State Foundation (link) can be made in lieu of flowers and messages of condolences may be left for the family at www.bowmanfuneral.com.