George V. Hansen obit

George Hansen Obituary

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George V. Hansen

September 14, 1930 - August 14, 2014

George Vernon Hansen, of Pocatello, Idaho, left this life to be with his Heavenly Father on August 14, 2014. George was embraced and surrounded by his family who cherished him.

Their family is so happy to know that George and Connie are together again for time and all eternity. They were married over 60 years, until Connie's passing on April 9, 2013.

George Vernon Hansen was born in Tetonia, Idaho on September 14, 1930 to Dean Erlease and Elmoyne Bendicta Brewer Hansen. George was also known as Vernon during his childhood days in the Teton Valley. He loved the beautiful and majestic Teton mountains.

George earned his Bachelor's degree from Ricks College with honors (now Brigham Young University-Idaho) and did graduate work at Idaho State University. He served in the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Naval Reserve.

George met the love of his life, Connie Sue Camp when he was stationed in Missouri. They were united in marriage on December 19, 1952 in Malden, Missouri. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.

George and Connie eventually settled in Alameda, Idaho where George was a life insurance salesman and math teacher at Irving Junior High School. He began his political career in 1961 when he was elected mayor of Alameda, Idaho and was the key leader in the efforts to merge Alameda with Pocatello the following year. Following the merger, George served as a Pocatello city commissioner.

He ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 1962, but upset incumbent Congressman Ralph Harding in 1964 in the Second Congressional District. He was overwhelmingly reelected to the 2nd District seat in1966. In 1968 and 1972, he ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate. In the early 70's, George served as a senior administrator in the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He then returned to the insurance business with New York Life Insurance and created a new company with his wife Connie, the Pocatello Copycat, which they owned for many years.

In 1974, George upset three-term incumbent Orval Hansen in the August primary and won the general election to return to the U.S. House. For the next 10 years in Washington, George was known as one of the most conservative members of Congress. He worked tirelessly for the people of Idaho as he served on the Agriculture, Interior, Veterans and Banking Committees.

Congressman Hansen went to Tehran in 1979 in the middle of the Iran hostage crisis to try to win the release of the hostages from the U.S. Embassy. In 1980, he published a book titled To Harass Our People: The IRS and Government Abuse of Power. Over one million copies of the book are in print.

After serving seven terms in Congress and concluding his business career, George and Connie returned to their beloved home town of Pocatello for good in the mid-1990's.

George's career has been most noted for his many years of outstanding service as a Congressman. During these years, he was a dedicated champion in fighting for the good people of Idaho and taxpayers all across the country who were subject to abusive federal agencies. As a result, he endured being on the receiving end of having to defend his good name against the retribution of federal agencies in which he waged the good fight for his constituents. Through all of the ensuing legal and financial struggles, he never wavered in his love and patriotism of America. But his life has been so much more than just being a Congressman. He has been a grain elevator manager, teacher, veteran, church official, short order cook, retail salesman, successful businessman, Mayor, City Commissioner, high ranking USDA official, and a sought after public speaker and many other callings.

He has been a wonderful husband, devoted son, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandpa. His family is most grateful for George's devoted service to his mother and to his wife during their respective challenging twilight years. During this time he courageously battled serious and continuous physical and health concerns of his own. His tender and loving service during this last chapter in his life is an example of the incredible service he has provided throughout every chapter of his life in every setting.

The Hansen family would like to express their deepest thanks to the wonderful staff at Quail Ridge for their love and attention to George and Connie over the past 3 years. The family would also like to extend their profound indebtedness to the many good people of Idaho and across the country who befriended George and Connie and stood with them during the difficult times - so many dear, dear lifetime friends.

George is survived by his brother Dean Maurice (Annette) Hansen of Sandy, UT, son Steven George (Kim) of Vero Beach, FL, son James Vernon (Patricia) of Spotsylvania, VA, daughter Patricia Sue (Rielly) Conrad of Falls Church, VA, son William Dean (Kassandra) of McLean, VA, daughter Joanne of Annandale, VA, 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at 11:00 am in the Highland 10th Ward, 2925 Michelle St. with Bishop Robert Taylor conducting. The family will receive friends Monday evening in the Cornelison Funeral Home from 6-8 pm and at the Church on Tuesday from 9:30-10:45 am. Interment will follow services at the Cache-Clawson Cemetery in Tetonia, Idaho at 3:00 pm with military graveside rites by American Legion Post No. 95. Arrangements are under the direction of the Cornelison Funeral Home, 431 N. 15th Ave., Pocatello, 232-0542.