Vernon 'Vern' M. Hanson Jr., 64

Vernon “Vern” M. Hanson Jr., 64, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, passed away March 25, 2016, at Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene. He was born March 25, 1952, at the Wardner Hospital in Kellogg, Idaho. Vern was the son of Vernon “Bud” and Evelyn (Crawford) Hanson Sr.

Vern lived in the Silver Valley for most of his life. He attended and graduated from Kellogg High School in 1970. Vern then attended North Idaho College receiving an associate’s degree in business and computer science.

Vern married Mary Kay Lyons on Aug. 12, 1977, in Rose Lake, Idaho; they later divorced but remained special friends.

Vern welcomed and loved the many opportunities that was presented to him during his business career. He was very much respected, admired and called upon in the business community. Vern first owned and operated the Hanson’s General Store in Cataldo, Idaho. He went on to work at the Furniture Exchange in Kellogg, the State of Idaho March of Dimes, Silver Capital Arts of Wallace and had served as Financial Officer of the East Shoshone Hospital in Silverton. Vern also had served as manager of the Super 8 Motel in Kellogg, he served as Shoshone County Commissioner, worked in marketing at the Silver Mountain Resort and served as Director of the Silver Valley Economic Development Corporation. Vern then moved to the Coeur d’Alene area working for Inspectorate America, the National Bail Bonds and manager of the Rental Connections Office and Property Management.

Vern was a member and past president of the Pinehurst Chamber of Commerce, a member and was honored as Citizen of The Year of the Historic Wallace Chamber of Commerce and a member and past co-president of the Silver Valley Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of the Jaycees and had served as president of the Wallace Business Community Association. Vern served as president and a board member of the Sixth Street Melodrama for many years. He was requested to serve as Master of Ceremonies for many community events, functions and charities. Vern was a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church and had served as Senior Warden; he also was a member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Wallace and had served as treasurer. Vern loved the Silver Valley; he had a heart of gold, was loved by so many and will be dearly missed.

Vern loved entertaining his family and friends with dinners and parties. He also enjoyed gardening, plays, shows and concerts, day road trips and traveling to the casino. Vern also enjoyed Friday night gatherings at the Iron Horse with his friends.

Vern is survived by his partner, Bill Tye of Coeur d’Alene; one son, Michael Hanson and Nicci Jeppesen of Coeur d’Alene; one daughter, Kelsey (Jon) Shultz of Kellogg; one granddaughter, Kenadee Shultz; one sister, Sharon (Buck) Miller of Kingston, Idaho; one brother, Ed (Nancy) Hanson of Kingston; one niece, Kristy Hewitt of Kingston; one nephew, Darren Hanson of Coeur d’Alene and one great-nephew, Travis Hewitt. Vern was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of Vern’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 2, 2016, at the Silver Valley Worship Center in Smelterville, Idaho, with Rev. Ken Bartle officiating. A reception and a gathering of family and friends will be held at the Kellogg Elks following services.

The family suggests that memorials may be made to the Sixth Street Melodrama, P.O. Box 1243, Wallace, ID 83873.

One may sign Vern’s online guest book at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com.

Shoshone Funeral Services & Crematory, Kellogg, is entrusted with funeral arrangements.