Merrill Gene Lash, 87

Merrill Gene Lash, 87, passed away Nov. 27, 2015, in his home in Hayden, Idaho, 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 entered Morning Side College in Sioux City, Iowa to study veterinary medicine. Following his military service, Merrill 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 parents and brother, Leslie D. Lash.

He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Dolores Ann; his three children, Lori Lash, Terry Lash and Greg Luraski; and five grandchildren, Paul, Mamie and Jack Lash, Brice and Brock Luraski. Also surviving are sister-in-law Betty Lash, niece Dr. Leslie Goodwin Lash, and two nephews, Dr. Stephen and Dr. Kevin Lash — all of Salt Lake City, Utah; sister-in-law Judy Mack; sister-in-law Sharon and brother-in-law Doug Downie and niece Kim.

Private family services have been held with the Kootenai Veterans Council honor guard and officiating Chaplain Col. Carl Gidland. We ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Kootenai Humane Society, 11650 N. Ramsey Road, Hayden. You may view Merrill’s memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.