Denny Hague, 78

Major General Dennis B. Hague USAF (Ret.) made his final flight on March 31, 2016. Born May 10, 1937, in Kellogg, Idaho, to Walter Bruce Hague and Agnes Donohue Hague, Denny grew up in Coeur d’Alene and graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1954.

Denny was a proud Idaho Vandal, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1960. During his Vandal years he met his future wife, Carolyn Blackburn, and they married in Twin Falls in 1959. Shortly after graduating, Denny entered the United States Air Force, earning his pilot wings in 1961. He remained on active duty for seven years including a tour of Vietnam where he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his brave role in the Battle of A Shau Valley on March 10, 1966. The remainder of his military career was in the Air National Guard, retiring in 1995 as a Major General and Commander of the Washington Air National Guard.

Denny was a partner in the Harris Dean Insurance Agency in Coeur d’Alene for more than 20 years and was deeply committed to serving the community throughout his lifetime. His involvement included a 45-year tenure in Rotary, serving as president in 1977. He served on the Board of Trustees for North Idaho College, president of the NIC Booster Club, president and member of CASA, Board Member of the Kootenai Health Foundation, Board of Directors for Kootenai County Police and Fire Memorial Foundation, Board of Directors for Hospice of North Idaho, chair for the Downtown Public Spaces and Master Plan Implementation Committee, and Member of the Local Catholic Parish Council. In May 2014, Denny was inducted into the Idaho Hall of Fame for his “Outstanding Achievement as a Military Hero and Community Leader.”

The greatest joy in Denny’s life was his family. Carolyn and Denny raised four children, Mike, Melissa, Scott and Kristin in Coeur d’Alene and were blessed with 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He spent countless hours as a coach, mentor and role model for each of his children and continued in that role for his grandchildren.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Lee Alkire and his beloved son, Scott. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carolyn Hague; children Michael Hague (Lianne), Melissa Bloom (Tom) and Kristin Gorringe (Dave); daughter-in-law Brandi Hague; stepbrother Lee Alkire Jr. (Cheryl); his grandchildren, Weslie, Matthew, Ryan, Breanna, Denni, Caitlin, Drew, Mikinzie, Erin and Annalisa; and three great-grandchildren, Payten, Knox and Kruz.

The family wishes to give thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Guarding Angel Memory Care Unit in Post Falls, Hospice of North Idaho, the McGrane Center and Comfort Keepers for the loving care they provided, as well as a special thanks to caregivers Katherine, Michelle and Joe, and dear family friends Jim and John. “We are so grateful for all of you.”

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Monday, April 11, 2016, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 625 E. Haycraft Ave., Coeur d’Alene. Military graveside rites will follow at Riverview Cemetery. The family prefers memorial contributions to CASA, Hospice of North Idaho or the Alzheimer’s Association. You may visit Denny’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.