Merrill Gene Lash, 87

Merrill Gene Lash, 87, passed away in his home in Hayden, Idaho, on Nov. 27, 2015, under the care of Crest Home Health & Hospice. He was born on Jan. 4, 1928, in Oklahoma City to Dr. C.L. and Mary Elizabeth (Jordan) Lash. He graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, Iowa, and then following his military service, earned a B.S. degree in forestry at Iowa State College, Ames in 1953.

Merrill was drafted into the U.S. Navy and served as a hospital corpsman until 1948 when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He followed a career in the lumber industry that spanned across the great Northwest, and culminated as Sales Manager for Anaconda Forest Products & Sawmill in Bonner, Mont. He had a great personality for business and sales, and later owned his own lumber products business in Idaho.

After retirement, he purchased Polson Cherry Orchard, a beautiful orchard overlooking Flathead Lake in Montana. Later he returned to Hayden to be closer to his sons. He was a former member of the Elks Lodge and Kiwanis, and he appeared in the Who’s Who in the Western Pine Association Journal. He also enjoyed membership in the Flathead Cherry Growers Association.

An avid fisherman and hunter, Merrill shared his passion with his family and his beloved dog, Zak. He especially enjoyed a two-week fishing adventure in Ketchikan, Alaska, with his brother-in-law, Doug. They brought home an ample supply of red snapper, halibut and ocean salmon.

Merrill was preceded in death by his brother, Leslie. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dolores Ann; three children, Terry Lash, Greg Luraski and Lori Lash; and five grandchildren, Paul, Mamie, Jack, Brice and Brock.

Private family services have been held with a military honor guard. We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Kootenai Humane Society. You may view Merrill’s memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.