George Elmore Haney Jr.

George was born in Rand, CO on July 22, 1921 to George Elmore and Gertrude Petersen Haney. He was the oldest of two boys. He grew up in Denver, CO and graduated from North Denver High School there. He moved to Salt Lake City in 1942. He met Ruth Walton on a blind date and it was love at first sight. On Christmas Eve 1942, he invited Ruth to his Aunt’s home for dinner. He proposed to her and they were married in Salt Lake City, UT on January 15, 1943 and later their marriage was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple in 1955.

George and Ruth made their home in Salt Lake City until June of 1943 when George enlisted in the US Army Air Corps in Pilot Training. He began Pilot Training on May 17, 1944 in Santa Ana, CA and graduated with his Pilot Wings on April 15, 1945. Upon discharge, he returned to Salt Lake City. In 1953 they relocated to Twin Falls, Idaho where they raised their five children. He enlisted in the United States Air Force Active Reserve and served 23 years where he retired a Major. For over 50 years George worked together with his wife Ruth in the insurance and real estate business where he held many leadership positions and received numerous awards including: chairman of the March of Dimes in 1955, President of the Twin Falls Insurance Agents Association in 1960, President of the Twin Falls Board of Realtors in 1964, President of the Idaho Association of Realtors in 1965, Twin Falls Realtor of the Year in 1962 and 1963, Idaho Realtor of the Year in 1963. George also enjoyed many years as a volunteer in his community. He served as President of the Twin Falls Lions Club in 1963, was a long-time member of the American Legion, Vice President of the Twin Falls Toastmaster Club and was the BSA Snake River Council President. He was a recipient of the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award in 1973, served on 13 Wood Badge courses and was a Wood Badge Course Director in 1989. George was honored in 2014 as the first recipient of the Sentinel Scouting Award for over 70 years of service in Scouting. He retired from the Real Estate Business in 1994 and has spent the past 31 years working his Melaleuca business (29 years alongside his wife Ruth), making a difference in every life he has touched.

He served faithfully in his callings as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His dedication, commitment, loyalty and serving to the end will be something always cherished by those he served and passed lovingly to his posterity. He served as a Scout Master, Elder’s Quorum President, Sunday School President, Young Men’s President, Councilor in Bishoprics, High Councilman and Teacher, Temple Worker and Missionary. George and Ruth served five missions for the LDS church: Boise Idaho Temple, England Leeds Mission, Indianapolis Indiana, London South Mission and Boise Idaho Mission serving in Jackpot, NV. They enjoyed traveling and over the years traveled to England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, Japan, Hawaii, Alaska, Canada, Jerusalem, Puerto Rico and most of the 50 states.

One of his greatest joys in life was his animals. He was happiest when he was in “the high country” on his horse. He loved the outdoors and all that was available in his beloved Great State of Idaho. He loved hunting with his dear friends Jim May and Mel Jensen and enjoyed horseback riding with EJ Morgan.

He never missed an opportunity to be with his sons and grandsons in the South Hills or Sawtooth Mountains. He loved his family and proudly told all he could about his 6 children, 29 grandchildren and 79 great-grandchildren. His second son, Chad, preceded him in death and changed his life forever as he learned and lived his life knowing that “Families Are Forever”.

George is survived by his five children, George III (Irene) Haney of Twin Falls, ID; Pam (Mike) Youngs of Centerville, UT; Brooke (Kirt) Bledsoe of Ontario, OR; Linda (Russell) Grimmett of Arlington, TX and Tad (Kris) Haney of Glenns Ferry, Idaho; 27 grandchildren and 77 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, George E. Haney Sr. and Gertrude Dorothea Petersen; brother, Robert; son, Chad; son-in-law, Les Chariton; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

We would like to thank the staff at Legacy House of Bountiful, Jen, RN from Lifetouch, the Comfort Worx hospice staff and family members who lovingly cared for George.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 15, 2019 at 12:00 pm at the Filer LDS Church, 841 W Midway, Filer, ID. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 10:00-11:45 am. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 S Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at 11:00 am with a viewing from 10:00-10:45 am at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary.