Arthur ‘Buzz’ John Halverson, 86

Arthur “Buzz” Halverson was the loving father of three children: Mark Halverson (wife, Kathy) of Post Falls, Idaho; Kim Lancaster (husband, Brad) of Shoreline, Wash.; and Heidi Halverson Wolf (husband, Scott) of Post Falls. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anne; his father, Arthur Raymond Halverson; mother, Rosalia (Endres) Halverson; and sister, Margaret Horne.

He is survived by his sister, Jane Simpson of Tucson, Ariz. and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Walter and Carol Boice of Newport Beach, Calif. Buzz was the adored grandfather to six grandchildren: Dale Harvey of Post Falls; Jacob Halverson of Brownsburg, Ind.; Jessica Halverson of Oldsmar, Fla.; Hailey Hiebert of Blanchard, Idaho; Matthew Wolf of Boise; and Hannah Wolf of Post Falls. Buzz enjoyed six great-grandchildren: Jackson and Nicole Harvey, Lincoln and Hazel Halverson and Jared and Juliet Hiebert. He also had many loving nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Buzz had many loving friends in North Idaho, Tucson, Ariz., and Southern California.

His family will remember his kind and incredibly generous nature. Born in Tucson in 1934, Buzz attended Tucson High School, where he excelled in football and baseball. Buzz earned a football scholarship at the University of Arizona, where he earned a degree in business.

Buzz fondly remembered his Wildcat playing days; among other stories, playing during his senior year across the line from two University of Idaho freshmen during a “tune-up” game. The two freshmen were future NFL Hall of Famers Wayne Walker and Jerry Kramer. Buzz had the “worst game of his life!”

It was at the University of Arizona that he met his wife and lifelong companion, Anne Lucille (Boice) Halverson. Buzz and Anne enjoyed decades of homecoming tailgating at the University of Arizona “Old Letterman’s Club” throughout their life.

Buzz was commissioned in the United States Air Force after graduation from the University of Arizona and quickly rose to the rank of Colonel. Military assignments include: 1956, Commissioned Officer United States Air Force; 1956-1957, Pilot Training; 1958-1960, KC97 Co-Pilot and Pilot, Davis-Monthan AFB, Tucson; 1961-1963, KC135 Co-Pilot and Pilot, Larson AFB, Wash.; 1963-1965, Instructor Pilot, 43rd Air Refueling Squadron, Larson AFB; 1965-1966, Instructor Pilot, Standardization Division, 4256th Strategic Wing, Larson AFB; 1966-1967, Instructor Pilot, Standardization Division, 92nd Strategic Aerospace Wing, Fairchild AFB, Wash.; 1968-1970, Operations Officer, 43rd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild AFB; 1970-1971, Assistant Deputy Commander for Operations, 307th Strategic Wing, U-Tapao Airfield, Thailand; 1971-1973, Commander, 43rd Air Refueling Squadron, Fairchild AFB; 1973-1974, National War College for M.S. Business, Washington D.C.; 1974-1975, Base Commander, 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus, Mo.; 1975-1976, Vice Wing Commander, Dyess AFB, Texas.

Buzz was involved in two Vietnam War battle campaigns. Decorations include: Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, AF Commendation, Distinguished Unit/Presidential Unit Citation, AF Outstanding Unit Award, Combat Readiness Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon, RVN Campaign Medal and Vietnam Service Medal.

Among other interests, Buzz and his family excelled at skiing. Buzz, Anne and their family were frequently sighted on the slopes of Schweitzer Mountain (and many other ski resorts) during the period from the 1960s through 2000s. They enjoyed travelling throughout the U.S. to visit children and grandchildren and attend their various sporting events. Buzz and Anne also enjoyed hosting friends and family alike during beautiful summers on Hayden Lake, Idaho.

Buzz’s family would like to take this opportunity to thank Hospice of North Idaho for their loving care during the last few days of his life. You helped make a very difficult time tolerable, and your compassion and care were greatly appreciated.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be sent to Hospice of North Idaho, or any charity of your choice.

To see Buzz's online memorial and to leave a message for the family please visit www.englishfuneralchapel.com