Robert Hanson

1933 - 2015

Robert Poole Hanson, 81, of Shelley, passed away June 8, 2015, at his home under the care of Avalon Hospice.

Bob was born at the old Sacred Heart Hospital in Idaho Falls on July 22, 1933, to Wallace H and Alice Bybee (Poole) Hanson. Bob went to grade school in Shelley, where his father was the postmaster. The family moved to Idaho Falls and he graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1951. Having an NROTC scholarship, he attended the University of Idaho in Moscow. Upon his graduation from the University of Idaho in 1955, he was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy.

While attending the University of Idaho, he met Margaret Anne Woodard. They were married June 11, 1955, in Boise. Their marriage was solemnized in the Washington D.C. Temple on Feb. 8, 1975.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as Scout Master, Stake Young Men's President, Ward executive secretary, Gospel Doctrine Sunday School teacher and Ward Clerk.

During Bob's career in the Navy he served in San Diego, Long Beach, Calif., Annapolis, Md., Yokosuka, Japan, Washington DC, Norfolk, Va., and Newport, R.I. While attending the Naval War College he received a master's degree in international relations from George Washington University.

Bob retired from the Navy in 1975 as a lieutenant commander and returned to Idaho and settled in the Goshen area on what was remaining of the Hanson homestead. This is where Bob's grandfather had come in 1888 directly from Sweden.

Returning to school at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Bob started his second career. This time he would become an educator in the Firth School District, first as a teacher and then as an administrator. Bob also became a master gardener through the University of Idaho extension service. He wrote a weekly gardening column for the Shelley Pioneer.

Bob is survived by his four children, Col. Robert Michael (Lynne Van Trieste) Hanson, U.S.M.C., of Boise, Shannon (Randy) Robinson, of Idaho Falls, Mary (Kevin) Buckner, of Highland, Utah, Melissa Hanson, of Salmon; brother, Forrest (Luanne) Hanson, of Idaho Falls; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; parents, Wallace and Alice Hanson; brother, Wallace Hanson; grandson, Wesley Buckner, and great-granddaughter, Ruby Robinson.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, June 15, at the Goshen Ward Chapel, 792 N 1090 E. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Nalder Funeral Home, 110 W Oak Street in Shelley, and from 10 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. Monday at the church. Burial will be in Goshen Cemetery with military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.nalderfuneralhome.com.