Alvin S. Hanson, 88

We have lost a wonderful and generous man in the recent passing of Alvin S. Hanson. He had no enemies. His handsome smile, gentle spirit, quiet humor, integrity, and loving nature made him only friends. On May 3, 2015, Alvin Hanson, affectionately known by most as Al, passed away peacefully after courageously battling a three-year war with cancer.

Al spent his last four days at the North Idaho Hospice House. During his illness, Al never complained of pain, and in fact continued to live the life he loved, taking road trips around the country, enthusiastically cheering on Gonzaga's basketball teams, donating to every charity he knew of, and staying in touch with his many friends and family ... including his very best friend, his beloved dog, Bich.

Al was born in Seattle, Wash., on Jan. 7, 1927, to Lester and Lenora Hanson. He joined older sister, Delores. In 1934, Lester Hanson accepted a promotion with the Union Oil Company and moved his family to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Al attended Coeur d'Alene schools and later studied at the University of Idaho.

During World War II, Al honorably served for three years in the Merchant Marines, where he was stationed in the South Pacific. In 2015, Al received a plaque in formal recognition and gratitude of his sacrificial service in the U.S. Military Campaign.

In 1948, Al married M. Louise Martin, and at that time accepted a partnership with his father as local distributors for the Union Oil Co. Al and Louise had five children together. After his dad's retirement, Al acquired the 76 station at 6th and Sherman, and on Fourth Street in Coeur d'Alene.

He retired in 1992 but was still busy as a member of Kootenai Lodge No. 24, Calam Shriners Club, Royal Order of Jesters, Calam Legion of Honor. He was also a 30 year plus member of Eagles No. 486.

Al, and his father LT, were faithful contributors to the Diamond Cup Races; so much so that their enthusiasm was acknowledged by the superintendent of Cd'A City Park. The only access road at the park, to the building across from the beachfront, was barricaded with a posted sign reading: "No Admittance Except for LT & AS Hanson & Party" (signed by Avery Shaddock). The sign, now owned by the Hanson family, is a cherished remembrance of good times shared together.

In 1970, Al married Dorothy "Dot" Plumlee, and acquired two more children from Dot's previous marriage. Dot and Al were involved in many activities with friends and family, often traveling to Ilwaco, Wash., where family visits were combined with deep-sea fishing and a renewal of friendship with former wife Louise, and her husband, Roland Nelson.

In 2004, Al and Dot, with daughter Diane, took a long anticipated ferry trip to Alaska to visit daughter, Shari, and family. While there, Al spent every day with grandchildren and great-grandchildren, catching and enjoying his favorite seafoods, and brought several boxes home to share with others.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Lenora Hanson; sister Delores V. Wadsworth; daughter Cathy; and great-grandson John. He is survived by wife, Dorothy, who resides in Coeur d'Alene; daughters Diane Maki of Grays River, Wash., Shari Miethe of Cathlamet, Wash., Connie Brenaman of Naselle, Wash., son Jeffrey Hanson of Cathlamet, Wash.; stepdaughter Rexanne Roberge of Hayden, Idaho, and stepson Craig Plumlee of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Al was also blessed with eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

All of us take great comfort in knowing with certainty that Al made Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior, which affords us that blessed hope and gratitude that we will all be together again.

There will be no memorial service held in Coeur d'Alene, however, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date in Waikiakum County, Wash. All family and friends are welcome. Please feel free to contact any of his children for more information about the celebration of a truly wonderful man, who at every hour will be greatly missed.

We ask those who wish to honor his life to send a contribution in his memory to Hospice of North Idaho, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, Idaho. The sincere care and dignity they provided Al was much appreciated by Al and his family.

Al was interned at Yates Funeral Home in Coeur d'Alene where a copy of Al's obituary, as well as pictures and a guestbook will be available.

The family also plans to develop a web page where pictures honoring Al's life may be posted by family and friends.