Claude Hanson

1934 - 2026

Claude A. Hanson, 91, died peacefully at home on January 13, 2026, in Boise, Idaho.

Claude was born in Nowata, Oklahoma, on October 18, 1934. When he was six months old, his family moved to Gooding, Idaho. He admired his father's ability to fix anything, and remembered clearing rocks from the family homestead in Shoshone so his father could build their house. Life on the farm taught Claude the importance of hard work, a value he carried with him always. Alongside his other chores, he was responsible for milking the cows and helped his mom tend a beautiful garden, where she shared her love of flowers that nurtured Claude's lifelong passion for botany and gardening. His early years were filled with adventure and simple joys: walking to school, catching snakes and keeping them in his lunchbox to race after class, falling through the rafters of the one-room schoolhouse, and helping younger students with their lessons.

As a child, his mother encouraged his dreams and pursuits, often telling him that he could do anything he wanted. From an early age, Claude knew he wanted to be a great teacher, a passion that never wavered. He earned his B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Botany from the University of Idaho, and his Doctorate in Education from Brigham Young University. He began his teaching career in Elk River, where he taught science, band, and choir, and went on to teach science to students In Enterprise, Oregon and Boise, Idaho: East, Borah, Capital, Fairmont and Boise State. Claude could remember his students by their handwriting and was distinctly memorable to them for his "Claude-isms," humor, and enthusiasm. He believed deeply in his students and sought to inspire them to believe in themselves.

Claude served as the Science Supervisor for Boise School District until he retired in 1996. In his supervisory role, he found great purpose in encouraging teachers, championing their work, and helping them grow in confidence and skill.

Naturally curious and often heard saying, "I wonder," Claude enjoyed many hobbies. He was an avid reader who kept a detailed catalog of every book he read, along with his reflections. He was especially passionate about gardening, constantly designing, refining, and nurturing the landscape he created. He delighted in the spontaneous conversations it sparked with families and neighbors, who often stopped to admire his award-winning dahlias, and countless iris, hostas, clematis, and vegetables as they grew and bloomed. This beautiful space, filled with scientifically labeled flowers, trees, and shrubs, became a display garden for the Hemerocallis Society and showcased his spectacular daylilies. He also participated in and served in a leadership role with the American Daylily Association. Claude believed gardens were for sharing.

One of Claude's greatest joys was observing how his garden evolved and how it continually taught him something new. His interest in propagation led to a deep appreciation for genetics, which later inspired an extensive exploration of his own family history. He carefully traced and cataloged his genealogy and even traveled to Denmark to learn more about his family's roots.

Throughout a life defined by curiosity, learning, and sharing knowledge, Claude was also a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He married his first and true love, Mary Hanson, and together they shared almost 67 years of marriage. They cherished one another and dedicated themselves to supporting their family, passing down the values they learned from their parents and instilled in their children, as well as in the many young lives they helped nurture along the way.

Claude was preceded in death by his beloved wife Mary, his son Guy, his parents Hazel Beard and James Raymond Hanson, his brothers Edward, James, and Richard, and his sister Cora. He is survived by his sisters Phyllis and Delores, his daughters Andrea and Heidi, his daughter-in-law Helena, his granddaughters Barbara, Lisa, and Amy, his grandson Tucker, and his great-grandchildren Bella, Emma, and Teddy.

Claude's exceptional sense of wonder, humor, and kindness live on not only in his loving family, but also in the many students and children he inspired to believe in themselves.