Donald William Hope

Donald “Don” William Hope passed peacefully August 16, 2021.

Don was born July 11, 1938, in Mammoth Hot Springs, Yellowstone National Park to Lorenzo and Frances Hope. He had 1 sister, Helen, 1 stepsister and 2 stepbrothers.

Don graduated Pocatello High School in 1956. While attending high school, Don worked fulltime at a local gas station, where he began to hone his life-long habit of working hard.

After graduating high school, Don enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. Don was extremely proud to have achieved Expert Rifleman status in the Marines. Don proudly served in Korea and Japan, and often spoke of his adventures there, including the stories of his pet snake that kept him company while in Japan.

In September 1964, Don married Beverly Jean Bertelsen. They were happily married for 52 years.

Don held many positions during his busy career. Among others, he was a Building Inspector for the State of Idaho. Don worked on several major projects including the freeway through the Portneuf Valley, Portneuf River “channel”, the women’s prison and several projects on the ISU campus.

Don was an avid fisherman, enthusiastic trap shooter and later in life an accomplished golfer, a passion he enjoyed the rest of his life. Don was always happy to share golf advice with his family and did so frequently. We all loved golfing with Don and Beverly, even if it meant traveling to Mesquite, NV in the Winter to spend time with them. Don had another hobby, coordinating fireworks shows for several communities, where he may or may not have contributed in a small way to a fire or two that caused no injuries or loss of property.

Don is survived by his 3 children, Kim (Steve) Magagna, Jennifer (Kirk) Lepchenske and Ryan (Amanda) Hope. Don had 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, all of whom he loved deeply.

Don will be missed by all who knew him and remembered as a man who always made things fun for those around him. He loved to be surrounded by family and friends and was the life of the party. We all love him for that gift!

Thank you for all the laughs, Don. We love you!!

A graveside service will be held in his honor at 2:00 p.m. on Friday August 20, 2021 at Mountain View Cemetery, 1520 South 4th avenue in Pocatello, Idaho. The location of the plot in the cemetery is 55 East; Row 17; Space 18.

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