Obituary of Dave C. Hanley

Hearts are heavy as we say farewell to our loving husband, father, grandfather, and dear friend. David C. Hanley (68) longtime St. Maries resident, passed away in the early morning of Easter Sunday, April 8, 2012 at St. Maries following a long and courageous battle with cancer. Always an optimist and never a complainer, Dave navigated the ups and downs with smiles and jokes, and cherished each day he could golf, work, and spend time with friends and family. He was born August 19, 1943 to Norman and Eugenie (Summers) Miller at Chewelah, Washington. He moved to St. Maries when he was 7 years old. As a young man, he set pins at the old bowling alley, worked as a newspaper delivery carrier. Dave graduated from St. Maries High School with the class of 1961. Dave was a true patriot and loved his country. At a time when many feared the draft, Dave voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army, earning the honor of marksman and was a member of the 7th Army Non Commissioned Officers Academy and was on the 50 Caliber Machine Gun Crew stationed in Germany. Following his honorable discharge in 1964, he returned home to St. Maries. He married Connie Christensen on December 5, 1964. Dave was a skilled carpenter, helping to build numerous homes in St. Maries. He also worked for the City of St. Maries and later for the U.S. Postal Service. He left that position in 1969 and went to work for Potlatch Corporation. Dave had an excellent work ethic and was well respected as a Foreman, Shipping Supervisor, and Quality Control Manager. After 26 fulfilling years, he retired from Potlatch in 1994 to focus on his love of golf and our community. He and Connie began managing the St. Maries Golf Course and opened "Knickers Golf and Grill." After a brief break, Dave and Connie returned to manage the golf course and pro shop. Dave was a member of the St. Maries Golf Association and Men's League, earning the honor of Club Champion in 1984. Dave was a member of the St. Maries Men's Bowling Assn., the American Legion Post 25 of St. Maries, and 38 year member of the St. Maries Elks Lodge. A firm believer in our Second Amendment, Dave was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. Dave was well known for his intelligence and sharp wit. He kept himself well educated in History, Current Events, and Politics. It didn't matter what your views, Dave used a common sense approach to make his point. An animal lover and outdoors-man, hunting and fishing eventually turned to bird and wildlife watching. Dave is survived by his wife Connie at the Family home. Son and daughter-in-law Doug and Marla Hanley of Cataldo, ID and daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Kenny Boller of St. Maries. Also surviving are his brother and sister-in-law Lyle and Jeannie Miller of St. Maries and brother Chuck Hanley of St. Maries. Dave is also survived by a step-sister and husband Marilyn and Paul Boudreau of Coeur d' Alene, ID. He took great pride in his 7 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren, and was uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 1:00 p.m. At the St. Maries Church of the Nazarene 175 Grandview Dr. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the St. Maries Eagles Lodge. Due to Dave's patriotic love of his country, friends are encouraged to wear red, white and blue colors. Whether he was giving a golf lesson, acting as Master of Ceremonies, telling jokes, bartending, writing a letter to the editor, or just watching wildlife, Dave was a great guy to be around. If it was golf, bowling, playing cards, Pictionary, or Trivial Pursuit, Dave was the guy you wanted on your team. His honesty and integrity were unsurpassed, and his greatest pride was his wonderful marriage of 47 years to the love of his life. He has gone to the next tee box.. We miss you so much but we all know you will always be with us and we will see you again at the special place. Visit his online memorial and sign his guestbook at www.hodgefuneralhome.com Read Dave Hanley's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.