Donald Lewis Hennessey

Donald Lewis Hennessey, 74, of Weiser and formerly of Boise, passed away on December 10, 2021.

Don was born in Nampa on January 26, 1947 to Tom and Gladys Hennessey.   He died on December 10 following a devastating heart attack.  Don was the fourth of the Hennessey boys, spread out over sixteen years, and he was devoted to his older brothers.  After graduating from Nampa High School, Don attended Treasure Valley Community College before shipping out for Vietnam, where he served his country in the U.S. Army.

            After Vietnam, an adventuresome spirit enticed Don to Priest River, Idaho, where he built a cabin in the woods and enjoyed the great outdoors.  Work took him to Kodiak Island, Alaska, back to the Treasure Valley, then to Nome, Alaska, and finally back to the Treasure Valley again.  His last years were happily spent on an acreage in Weiser with Sue Slade, his partner of twenty years.

            Don was blessed with an inventive mind, and was a wizard at carpentry, music, or automotive projects.  He had a generous spirit and a great capacity for love—of his family, friends, music, animals, nature, and talking politics.  He was always up for a good story, a good time, or helping someone in need.  He made friends wherever he went, and a guitar plus Don Hennessey inevitably equaled a party.

            Don was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Tom, Dave, and Tip.  He is survived by his partner Sue Slade, his children Brian, Dawn Maria, Ryli, (Matthew) and Charles (Sylwia) and grandsons Leo, Harlan and Van, as well as a large, loving extended family.

            No services will be held at this time, but the kind of celebration Don would prefer will be held when the weather warms.  Anyone wishing to donate in Don’s memory may contribute to the Warhawk Museum, 201 Municipal Drive, Nampa, ID 83687.

            The family expresses deep appreciation for the compassionate care Don received at St. Luke’s Meridian.

An online guest book is available www.nampafuneralhome.com

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