With great sadness we announce our beloved son, father, brother, companion, and friend, Lance J. Ellison, was unexpectedly taken from us on October 23, 2021 at the age of 53.
Lance was born and raised in Centerville, Utah (pop. 17,415) and lived most of his adult life in Centerville, Idaho (pop. 23). An avid outdoorsman, Lance attended Utah State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree in forestry, with a specialization in silviculture. After college, Lance took a position at the Idaho City Ranger District, where he remained for 27 years, most recently as a Forester instrumental to the reforestation of the Boise National Forest.
Those who knew Lance best know he never met a mountain or trail he couldn’t dirt bike up, a body of water he couldn’t fish, a bird he couldn’t hunt, or an old Dodge that couldn’t turn his eye. He was a loyal man of few words who was happiest outside or laughing with family and close friends, and would do anything for anyone he cared about, including friends, family, and the love of his life, Stacie, with whom he built the family he never thought he would have.
Lance is preceded in death by his grandparents, best childhood friend Mike Randall and two beloved hunting dogs; Sam and Buck. He is survived by his parents, Jerry and Diane, sister Kami, brothers Clay (Jamie), Justin (Jennifer), and Todd (Brittney), Stacie Petersen, her son Conner (16) and their daughter Oakley (4), his best friend Clint VanZile (Wendy), his hunting dogs Max, Piper, and Jet, several nieces and nephews and more friends and extended family than we can count.
The family is hosting an open house style celebration of Lance’s life on November 20, 2021, from 12:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Smoky Mountain Pizza, 415 E Parkcenter Blvd, Suite 117, Boise ID 83706. Please come and share your memories of Lance with us. Flannel and camouflage or informal attire is encouraged. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the forestry or canine charity of your choice in Lance’s honor, and when you’re in the woods and you see a pine tree, please think of Lance. He likely had a hand in planting it.