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Craig Hoke Bronson, 66

Craig Hoke Bronson, 66, of Blanchard, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at the Rose Terrace Country Homes care facility in Spirit Lake, Idaho.

Craig was proud of the fact that he was born in Coeur d’Alene, on Feb. 16, 1953. He graduated from Coeur d’Alene High School in 1972 and will be remembered by many as a tough football player for the Vikings.

After high school Craig worked as a tapper at the Bunker Hill smelter and later at the DeArmond sawmill at the Fort Grounds. As an ornery young man he moved around, working in construction and flooring in places such as Ogden, Utah; Evanston, Wyo.; Anchorage, Alaska; and Tombstone, Ariz., where he helped run Bronson Burgers with his late father, Jake Bronson Sr., and even participated in a few wild west shows.

But no matter where he went, he always made his way back home to North Idaho — where he would live out the final 30 years of his life. He went on to start his own business, Bronson Flooring, and he became a registered contractor in 2006. In 2010, he fulfilled a lifelong dream, purchasing 5 acres just north of Blanchard, where he built his home and raised his cats, Toby and Get’ner.

Craig had a huge heart and was always willing to provide a helping hand. Many have said that he “would give you the shirt off his back” and he never asked for recognition for his kind acts. He was honest. He was a fighter. He believed that hard work and perseverance could overcome any obstacle, and he had the hands to prove it. He found peace and happiness in the little things that most people never bother to notice.

With his long, grayish-white beard and an aptitude for good times, Craig was surprisingly approachable. He was an easy friend to make and thoroughly enjoyed his conversations with his friends at the local watering hole. He loved animals and nature, often taking walks in the woods or finding a free spot to camp. But it was his grandchildren he loved most; it was a rare occasion when he missed one of their basketball games or track meets.

Craig was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Phyllis Bronson, and his older brother, Jake Bronson. He is survived by his beloved 95-year-old aunt, Bebe Miles Fletcher of Coeur d’Alene; his only child, Ryan (and Johnna) Bronson of Hayden; sisters Kitty (and JD) Russell of Douglas, Wyo., and Teena (and Raymond) Miller of Edgerton, Wyo.; brother, Clay Bronson of Hayden; grandchildren Bryce and Emily Bronson of Hayden; several nieces and nephews; and too many cousins to count.

In Craig’s baby book, his mother noted that his first playmate was his cousin, Ray Haney, who would remain his closest, truest friend throughout his life.

At Craig’s request no services will be held. A celebration of life will take place sometime this spring.

The family would like to specifically thank Dr. Nathan Gay and the staff at Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services in Post Falls, the amazing caretakers at Auburn Crest Hospice, and the remarkable staff at Rose Terrace. Craig would also want to thank all his friends who helped him during his battle with lung cancer.

Yates Funeral Homes has been entrusted with final arrangements.