Arthur Hans Garness

Arthur Hans Garness was born on November 3, 1941 in Wallace, Idaho. Art moved to  Boise with his father, Arthur Einar Garness, mother, Helen Margaret Tuomisto Garness, and older  sister, Judith Helene Garness in the 1950’s. In Boise, Art’s father worked as a prison guard at the  Old Idaho Penitentiary. The family lived next to the Old Pen on Goodman Road. Art had many  fond childhood memories of taking lunch to his father’s guard tower (which is currently still  standing) and playing on the grounds with the warden’s children.  

One of his first jobs as a youngster was working at a driving range on Warm Springs  Avenue in Boise, and this was where his love for the game of golf was seeded. He proudly  attended East Junior High and then Boise High School where he played on the golf team with a  two handicap. Art was part of the choir at Boise High and had a beautiful tenor voice that he  reserved later in life for accompanying his idol, Frank Sinatra.  

In 1960, Art joined the U.S. Army and was stationed at Gowen Field for approximately ten  years. During that time Arthur worked on tanks. After serving in the Army, Art went back to civilian  life for several years living in Boise. It was during that time, he and his wife, Mary Eavenson, had  three children, Virgil Garness, Amy (Thurman), Elisabeth (Mann). Art worked as a teamster at  Garret Freight Lines for several years before he decided to enlist in the Air Force and was an  Airman for over 20 years. Throughout Art’s time in the Air Force he worked in shipping and  transportation. Art and Mary divorced, and he married Judy Floyd in the early 90’s and were  together several years prior to her passing.  

During his retirement, Art enjoyed playing golf all over Boise, watching his grandchildren  play sports, spending time with his family and pets, feeding stray animals (i.e. cats, squirrels,  spiders, etc.), and making trips to Jackpot to “donate his money”. Art liked all sports, especially  football and enjoyed rooting for Peyton Manning, before he retired, and watching Boise State  Bronco football games.  

On April 30^th, 2021 Art left this world on his own terms, and we are sure he is now playing  golf with ease (with a two handicap of course), whiskey in hand, and Frank is playing in the  background. Art loved his children and was especially proud of his grandkids, and the fact that he  was a great-grandpa. He is survived by his children: Virgil Garness (Corissa), Amy Thurman  (Curt), Elisabeth Mann (Mike); grandchildren: Nathan Garness, Kelly Garness, Matthew Garness,  Emma “Chris” Garness, Kamille Skinner, Jaden Feggo, Cole Skinner, Saul Mann, Madison  Massie; 7 great grandchildren (and one on the way).  

The family would like to extend our greatest appreciation for the care provided to Art at  the Idaho State Veterans Home in Boise. He lived his last few years treated with dignity and  respect and had his wishes honored. We would also like to acknowledge the exceptional care  and compassion that Art received from the Boise VAMC. A formal family service will be held this  summer at the Idaho Veteran’s Cemetery.