Neil Allen Hanson, 84

Neil Allen Hanson was born Aug. 25, 1928, in Gurnsey, Wyo., to Harold and Violet Hanson. He graduated from high school in Onida, S.D., in 1948 and married his high school sweetheart Mable Byrum the same year.

They started their family in Lead, S.D.; moving to Idaho in 1954. There he worked for Potlatch Lumber Mill while continuing his education at North Idaho College. In 1958, he graduated from North Idaho College with an A.A. in business administration. In the early ’60s through 1968, he owned and operated Big B Texaco gas station. After selling the company, he began working heavy construction throughout North Idaho, Eastern Washington and Alaska, retiring in 1994. Throughout his time in construction he never stopped his education, receiving degrees in water management (BSU-1979), electronic repair and data processing and basic programming (BSU-1983), and an associate’s certificate in electronic computer technology (Miller Institute-1985) and completing numerous smaller courses.

He is survived by his sons, Craig and his wife Diana, and Gene and wife Delia; and one daughter, Beth and husband Jerry. He also leaves behind his five granddaughters: Irlene, Michelle (and husband Andy), Lisa, Christine and Donna. Neil was preceded in death by his wife, Mable; son Richard and granddaughter Janette.

Neil was known by his friends and family as an avid outdoorsman and an incredible handyman. As many could attest, “He could fix or build anything.” Evidence of his talents is present through his beautiful homemade furniture and his sons’ innate ability to build or fix anything need. He was known to be a great supporter of the arts in Coeur d’Alene, where he acted in plays and helped build several of the sets. He was a hard worker with a deep appreciation for education and the arts; he was a true renaissance man of his time. He will be missed by his family and friends.

Come join his family to celebrate Neil’s life at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 22, 2013, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel. Please visit Neil’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.