Hugh Homan

Hugh Waldo Homan passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 20, 2024 just a few days before his 89th birthday. He was born July 24, 1935 in Fruitland, Idaho – the 5th son of Francis and Elma (Cramer) Homan. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his son William (Tom) Mays. He is survived by: his wife, Doris Homan; his daughters - Jana Schaffeld, and Julie (Ricky) Love; grandchildren - Jordan (Anthony) Enriquez and Keegan (Page) Love; and three great grandchildren – Atlas and August Enriquez and Kilian Love.

Hugh grew up on the family fruit ranch in Fruitland and graduated from Fruitland High School in 1953. He attended the University of Idaho receiving his Bachelors of Science in Science Education and his Masters of Science in Entomology. He worked for several years for the USDA. He married Doris in 1962. He started his career with the University of Idaho in 1965 as an Area Extension Entomologist working in three counties: Canyon, Owyhee, and Payette. The family lived in Caldwell, Idaho for 9 years. In 1974, Hugh moved his family to Troy, Idaho where he was the State Extension Entomologist at the University of Idaho. He remained in this position until his retirement in 1995.

Hugh was especially interested in Agricultural Entomology and worked with farmer community groups and Aerial Applicators throughout the county and state concerning problems that affected crop production. He also spent two years in Lesotho, South Africa working as an Entomologist for USAID. He was active in The Entomology Society of America. He attended serval conventions and was vice-president of the Pacific Branch of the Entomology Society of America for two years. Hugh was noted for his many publications. He authored or co-authored over 200 books, articles, bulletins, pamphlets, etc. He also conducted many workshops throughout the state concerning crop production and gardening.

He was known for his outstanding home gardens. He raised a garden every year from 1966 to 2018. He could often be seen lying on his stomach, hand weeding his plants as they emerged from the soil. He also loved his backyard fruit orchard. In early Spring, he started methodically pruning his 17 apple trees. He was quoted day by day, week by week, “I’m 2/17, 5/17, 11/17 finished pruning”. Everyone in the neighborhood enjoyed the plums, cherries, and sometimes pears as well as apples when they were ready in the fall.

After retirement he volunteered at the Troy Food and Clothing Bank for 20 years. He was very active in the Troy Community. He belonged to the Troy Lions Club for many years and held many offices including President. He especially enjoyed scheduling Lions ticket takers for Troy High School sporting events. He was an active member of Troy Lutheran Church for many years and served as a Council member. He was also active in the Latah County Chapter of AARP and served as Treasurer. He was also a member of the University of Idaho Retirees Association and held several offices in that organization.

In 2018, Hugh and his wife Doris, moved to Payette to live closer to their daughter, Jana Schaffeld. He became an active member of the Payette United Methodist Church, the Retired Educators Association, and rekindle many childhood friendships through a men’s coffee group.

With the exception of gardening, Hugh’s favorite hobby was traveling. He and Doris traveled to over 70 countries and all 50 US states. He enjoyed bird watching, working crossword puzzles and was an avid reader. He was a bridge player throughout his life and was a member of both the Moscow Senior Citizen Bridge Club and the Ontario Bridge Club.

Memorial Services will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the Payette United Methodist Church, 502 North 11th Street, Payette, ID.

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