Joe "Ozzie" LaMarche's idea of the perfect birthday was spending the day fishing with sons, Tim and Tad, and son-in-law, Larry Ryals. Afterward, he would regale the family with tales of the adventure while preparing a gourmet feast.

An architect, Joe helped design many Downtown Boise landmarks before retiring, including the Capitol Terrace garage and retail building, the Eastman parking garage and the streetscape along Eighth Street. He also was the lead architect for the Idaho Shakespeare Festival.

Joe died Aug. 31 in Boise. He would have been 85 on Nov. 13.

An artist, potter, guitar player and singer, sailor, motorcycle rider, pilot and teacher, Joe also was a culinary whiz at Thanksgiving.

"I remember when he decided to de-bone the turkey and cook it on the barbeque," said daughter Amy McDevitt. "The turkey was delicious, but trying to make gravy from the burnt drippings was a disaster."

Holiday desserts were a specialty and Joe often prepared several - from pumpkin cheesecake to chocolate cake with raspberry topping, Amy said.

One time, he was busy cooking his own birthday dinner when friends started dropping by unannounced.

"He kept putting more pasta in the pot, pounding out more chicken for the picatta, and getting pretty frustrated wondering how he was going to feed all these people," said his daughter, Emilie LaMarche.

Unbeknownst to Joe, a surprise party was brewing.

"When the catered trays of food arrived, he finally figured it out. He admitted he was getting pretty mad that no one had called and all dropped over at dinner time to wish him a happy birthday," Emilie said.

"Whenever I am cooking, apron on, glass of red wine in hand, I think of him," said daughter Laura LaMarche. "He taught me how great it is to create in the kitchen, about music and art, showed me the greatness of the outdoors and that life is full of adventure."

Joe's true passion, "Heaven on earth" as he called it, was fly fishing on the South Fork of the Boise and Snake rivers, at Henrys Fork and Silver Creek. Health issues and failed eyesight prevented fishing the last two years.

"Anticipation of catching a large steelhead can be a powerful driving force," said son Tad, who recalled one particular trip when the fish nearly got away.

"We were all giddy with excitement when suddenly the line went limp. Then the battle continued for several more minutes. Gradually the steelhead tired and rolled, a beautiful oversized rainbow trout," Tad said.

"We eventually settled back, pulled up anchor and moved on. We took our time to enjoy the rest of the drift knowing we had accomplished the reason for our trip - a birthday fish for the old man."

© 2009 Idaho Statesman

Stephanie Eddy:377-6481.In Remembrance is a weekly profile on a Treasure Valley resident who has recently passed away. To recommend a friend or loved one for an In Remembrance, e-mail seddy@idahostatesman.com.