Gordon Hale Hanchett

Gordon Hale Hanchett, 73, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday, Dec. 5, 2025, surrounded by family, at St. Joseph's Regional Hospital in Lewiston. Born on Sept. 18, 1952, to Hale and Earldean Hanchett, Gordon overcame early childhood deafness with remarkable determination. He attended the Idaho School for the Deaf and Blind, later graduating from Lewiston High School and earning an associate degree in printing from Idaho State University.

Gordon worked various jobs across the Northwest before returning home to be near family, spending many years at Potlatch mill and later delivering newspapers in Waha. He loved people deeply and welcomed many into his home. In 1987 he met the love of his life, Tania, and they married in 1988. Together they raised two daughters, Angelynn and Samantha, and cared for several "bonus" children who became family.

A man of many talents, Gordon enjoyed cooking, cars, sports and fishing. He had a lifelong passion for fixing vehicles and was known for his generosity, humor and ability to make friends everywhere he went. Above all, he cherished his wife, daughters and grandchildren, who were the joy of his life. He was a member of River City Church and lived his faith through love and service.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 37 years, Tania; daughters Angelynn (Jake) and Samantha (Nehemiah); grandchildren Connor, Noah, Barrett and Saphira; sisters Kathy Peters and Gayle Thompson (Glenn); father-in-law Gerald Tripard; extended family; and beloved bonus daughters Annaleah Vallee, Delilah Lozon, Sherin Davis, Melissa Meyers, and Hannah Behmer. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Inge Tripard, siblings Gary and Dolly Hanchett, and brother-in-law Jim Peters.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 21, at River City Church, Lewiston, with Brad Bramlet officiating and Missie Meyers interpreting in ASL.