Kevin Francis Trainor, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, Marine, attorney, river runner, and friend, passed away suddenly on May 29, 2026. Kevin was born on April 23, 1944, in Washington, D.C., to Francis and Martha (Stuckel) Trainor. He spent his childhood in Arlington and Fairfax County, Virginia, attending parochial schools before graduating from Bishop O’Connell High School in Northern Virginia.

Kevin earned a Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) scholarship to attend Dartmouth College, where he majored in American History, played four years of rugby, and was a proud member of Chi Phi fraternity. Dartmouth became a formative chapter in his life, shaping lifelong friendships and a deep sense of camaraderie and service.

Following graduation in 1966, Kevin was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and attended The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia, before entering flight training in Pensacola, Florida. He ultimately became a Naval Flight Officer and joined Marine Composite Reconnaissance Squadron 1 (VMCJ-1), a pioneering Marine aviation squadron specializing in photo reconnaissance and electronic countermeasures.

From September 1968 through October 1969, Kevin served in Vietnam, where he flew missions providing electronic countermeasure and missile jamming support for Navy strike operations over North Vietnam. He also flew photo reconnaissance missions throughout Vietnam and Laos during some of the war’s most intense periods. Kevin flew more than 200 combat missions as a Reconnaissance Systems officer aboard the RF-4 Phantom and as an Electronic Warfare Officer aboard the EA-6 Intruder; and earned multiple Air Medals awarded for “heroism or meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.” Kevin was deeply proud of his service as a Marine and of the men with whom he served, friendships he treasured throughout his life. After returning stateside for duty at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in California, Kevin was honorably discharged in November 1970.

After his military service, Kevin headed west with the encouragement of a childhood friend who urged him to see Idaho. He worked as the night desk manager at the Challenger Inn at Sun Valley Resort, spent time roofing, learned to ski Bald Mountain, and embraced the rugged beauty and adventurous spirit of the West. Most importantly, Sun Valley is where he met the love of his life and lifelong adventure partner, Linda Wirth.

Kevin and Linda were married in August 1972, beginning a partnership rooted in love, laughter, family, and adventure. Kevin graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1975 and soon established a respected small-town law practice in Twin Falls defined by compassion, integrity, and dedication to his clients and community.

Kevin lived fully and enthusiastically in the Idaho outdoors he loved so dearly. He spent countless days backpacking mountain trails, skiing Idaho powder, bird hunting with friends, piloting single engine airplanes, and running rivers throughout the West. An accomplished and licensed lead boatman, Kevin guided trips on the Middle Fork of the Salmon, Main Salmon, Hells Canyon stretch of the Snake, Selway, Grand Ronde, and Bruneau rivers. He also rowed the Grand Canyon three times. Whether rowing through whitewater, riding motorcycles with friends, flying his Bellanca Scout, or sharing stories around a campfire, Kevin found joy in adventure and in the people alongside him. Even in his 80s, Kevin enjoyed flying his Scout and riding motorcycles.

Kevin devoted himself to his community in the Magic Valley. As a member for 44 years of the Twin Falls Rotary Club, he was a Paul Harris Fellow, strong supporter of the CSI Fitness Trail, organized youth international exchanges, including hosting multiple students, and sponsored educational scholarships in Panamá. He volunteered driving veterans to Boise for VA appointments, served on the Airport Advisory Commission, and was a proud member of the Quiet Birdmen. In the early 1990’s, he could also often be found enthusiastically cheering for the Bruins in the gym and pulling chains on the football field. In recent years, Kevin has committed his time to the organization Veterans for Idaho Voters, advocating for more democratic processes in the Idaho elections.

Those who knew Kevin remember his quick wit, intelligence, humility, deep loyalty, and remarkable ability to connect with people from all walks of life. He was equally at home helping a client with legal issues, navigating a river rapid, telling stories with old Marine buddies, or welcoming friends and family into his home to enjoy Linda’s homemade cherry pie.

Kevin is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his daughters, Meghan and Whitney; their respective husbands, Greg and Antoine; grandchildren Mara, Lucie, Grant, and Flora; countless friends; and the many people whose lives he touched through his service, mentorship, friendship, and generosity. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Michael Trainor (Ann).

Kevin believed deeply in teamwork, duty, friendship, empathy, and adventure. He lived by the Marine Corps motto, Semper Fi — always faithful. His life was marked by courage, curiosity, humor, and love, and he will be profoundly missed.

A Celebration of Life for Kevin will be held on June 28, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the Gaslamp on 3rd, 269 3rd Ave S, Twin Falls, ID 83301. Military honors will take place at Snake River Canyon National Cemetery, 1585 E Elm St, Buhl, ID 83316. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kevin’s honor to Semper Fi Fund or the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family in the guestbook section below.