POCATELLO - Tony Scott Hansen, 49, passed away Sunday, July 25 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Scott was born the third of four children on March 17, 1961 in Idaho Falls. He was raised in Pocatello and as a young man Scott attended Highland High School where he could usually be found on the football field, the basketball court, or the baseball diamond. After graduation he was called to serve in the Davao, Philippines mission where he lovingly and faithfully served the Filipino people for two years. Upon returning to Pocatello he married the love of his life, Joni Kay Gunter, in the Idaho Falls LDS temple on April 15, 1983. Scott and Joni were blessed with four amazing children, Taryn, Kyrsten, Jace, and Taigen; and were recently blessed to become grandparents.
Scott graduated from Idaho State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Education in 1989. After graduation he began his teaching career in Buhl, Idaho but soon made his way back to Highland High School where he influenced the lives of young people for over twenty years. Scott’s passion and love for sports led him to pursue coaching and he was fortunate to hold multiple positions coaching football, girls softball, and boys and girls basketball. For the last 17 years Scott was the head girls basketball coach at Highland and loved teaching and coaching the young women on his teams. Scott’s life was dedicated to helping young people and there are countless men and women who are better for knowing him.
As an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Scott served in multiple callings including spending over ten years serving with college students in one of the local university stakes.
In October 2006 Scott was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer and fought that difficult battle with great grace and dignity. His example of faith and courage touched many lives and the miracle of spending the last four years with his family and friends has strengthened many hearts. Scott and his family would like to express their sincere appreciation to all those who have expressed love and compassion during the last four years; as well as to the medical professionals who have cared for him throughout his fight.
Scott is survived by his wife, Joni; daughter Taryn (Ryan) Palmer, Columbus, Ohio; daughter Kyrsten (Sam) Geddes; son Jace; daughter Taigen, all of Pocatello; granddaughter Stella Palmer; parents Norman and Tresa Hansen; brothers Kevin (Sue) Hansen and Randy (Joan) Hansen; sister Kelli (Randall) Munkres; father and mother-in-law Marvin and Carole Gunter; along with many nieces, nephews, and loving in-laws. Scott is preceded in death by his grandparents.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 29, 2010, at the Highland Stake Center, 2140 Satterfield Drive with Jim Lothspeich officiating.. Due to a wedding in the family, the visitation will be held Tuesday, July 27, 2010, also at the Highland Stake Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. To allow the family proper time the visitation prior to the services on Thursday will begin at 10 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow the funeral service at the Arimo Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Highland Foundation care of Shelley Huelsman, 1800 Bench Rd, Pocatello, Id 83201.
