Tim Hanson, 27
"He's just so strong" is a phrase that epitomized Tim Hanson. Whether conquering mountains overcoming drug addictions, riding insane waves, or driving kids to camp; Tim blazed through life with an energy and strength that had most people shaking their heads in amazement.
Born at home on March 13, 1977, in Stony Creek, N.Y., it became evident that a life of adventure was in store. The day he was born there was a flood and the doctor had to ride over the bridge on the hood of the car for the delivery. He grew up building two story tree houses, riding bicycles down stairs, and skating boarding still bruised from the last ride. Tim graduated from Hot Springs High School, in Truth or Consequences, N.M., in 1995, but also attended Capitol High School in Helena, Mont.
Tim was a phenomenal cook which many stomachs and kitchens can attest too. He moved to Crested Butte, Colo., and worked at jobs that guaranteed a "day of powder was a day off to board." Tim attended Oh Be Joyful Church where he overcame a drug addiction and worked with the youth and went on mission trips, including to Japan. Tim found his highs with any extreme sport that gave some good adrenalin.
Tim arrived in Sandpoint in September 2001, driving directly to the top of Schweitzer with all his belongings in the back of his white Chevy pickup truck. On the way down the mountain he saw a Harlicker Construction site, met Doug, and started working the next day. Thankfully he worked hard enough that the Harlickers allowed him to go on mission trips, including to Honduras, and "walk abouts," such as to South America to surf.
Tim was a human jungle gym and always had kids hanging off of him. His passion for teenagers was profound, he desired for youth to stop searching and find the answer and freedom he had found in Christ. Tim was working on a possible trip to Thailand, but found his next adventure in Bekah (Rebekah Preston).
The hair that was usually an afro became gelled and a "perm-a-grin" decorated his face. Bekah and Tim had a sweet love. He even started calling his sisters for advice and once they got over the shock they gladly helped. He proposed New Years Eve and an April 2, 2005, wedding was in the works.
The man who traveled the globe with a back pack, boarding goggles, or a snow board was content with a tuxedo and love. Tim even told his Mom he had been the happiest he had ever been; he had faith, family, love, contentment and he wished her the same.
On Monday, Jan. 31, Tim did not show up for work. Doug Harlicker knew something was wrong, rounded up the troops, and found Tim at his house struggling to breathe. Tim was in an apparent coma caused by an electrical malfunction in his heart.
The crowd at the hospital became another testament and scrapbook of people he touched and lives he had impacted. Tim went on his final adventure to be with his Savior on Feb. 4, 2005. His family and friends held him, sang him his favorite Third Day songs and wished him bon voyage to go in peace.
Tim is survived by his father Tom Hanson, mother Deanna Hanson, sister Christina (Hanson) Whitney, her husband Brian, and their daughter Jaida; sister Hannah Hanson; and, of course, Rebekah Preston, her wonderful family, and numerous relatives. Tim circled the globe and left friends in every nook and cranny.
Tim is missed by many who had the joy of sharing in his life. However, those who share Tim's faith in Christ will celebrate with him again in heaven. Tim is just on an adventure in a place we don't have visas for yet.
In lieu of flowers please donate in Tim's name in honor of his love for missions to two organizations that mean a lot to him. They are: Assist International, P.O. Box 66396, Scotts Valley, CA 95067 (e-mail at assistinternational.org); and Compassion International, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80997 in honor of Akhilani, a child Tim sponsored there.
A memorial service will be held on Tuesday February 8th at 3:30 PM at First Baptist Church in Sandpoint, Idaho. Please come and celebrate Tim's life and share your stories with us.