Herman Alonzo Branin was born on May 18, 1949, in Culver City, California to parents Earl and Gloria Donna (Hurd) Branin.

Hal was raised in the Pomona area by his brother, sisters, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and his loving mother Gloria.  Times were not always easy for them, but this was a group that valued the important things – family, support for one another, and strong bonds that have endured to this day.  This family shares countless memories full of laughter, family gatherings, and a full house on Vejar street.

In his childhood, Hal developed a love for animals.  He had cages set up behind his garage and collected snakes, frogs, possum, a raccoon, and many other special pets.  Once his mother brought him home chameleons from the fair to add to his zoo.   Once he discovered cars, the zoo came to an abrupt end. He graduated from Ganesha High School in 1968.

In 1960, Hal attended the First Annual Winternationals in Pomona, California; a drag racing event that changed his life.  It was this event that sparked his love for sport.  Soon, a Drag Racing Team was born - comprised of the Branin Brothers and friend Gary Taylor. They finally finished their first Top Fuel Car in early 1965 with a blown Chevy.   By Mid year, they had switched to a blown Chrysler. Their driver, Gary Taylor was tragically killed in July of that year racing that car.  By mid 1966, Hal decided to build a top gas car and by Nov. of 1967, they were racing.  The team was comprised of Hal as the driver, crew - brother Bob, Ken Lawton and Steve Levy.  Over the next three years they won events at Fontana and Long Beach including five straight top eliminators at Long Beach in 1971.  In 1971, they also qualified with low elapsed time in Ontario, CA.  In 1972, Hal briefly raced a top fuel car attaining speeds of over 230 miles per hour prior to moving to Boise. 

In 1972, Hal moved to Boise, Idaho to begin his own family.  He first worked for Idaho Power for a short period and then began his career as a cement mason.  He worked in the Boise area pouring concrete and finishing cement for nearly 40 years, many of those years With Dave Berry Construction.   He forged many special relationships over the years working on those countless job sites.  Hal was known by all for his quality work and strong work ethic, reliability, and his sense of humor.  

Hal exchanged wedding vows with the love of his life, Wanda Kay Embry on June 3, 2000, in Reno, Nevada.   They enjoyed many travels together to favorite Idaho places; Stanley, Horse Thief, Coeur D’Alene, Cascade, McCall, Weiser, and fishing trips to Mosquito flats.  One of Hal’s favorite loves was being a part of the many family celebrations and get-togethers. 

Hal and Wanda enjoyed shopping for treasures and gifts.  They enjoyed their time together, even if it was just cleaning house on Sunday and listening to music together. 

Dad loved the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and especially fishing.  He looked forward to visits from his brother Bob from California.  They shared many fond memories and stories of hunting and fishing together.  He told us that his most cherished times were spent with his family.  We have so many memories of camping trips, many visits to California, 4^th of July at the race track, day trips to Silver City and Idaho City, and riding the Boise Tour train with Grandma Branin, just to name a few of the innumerable times we will remember.

Our beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully at home on Friday, April 8, surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with amyloidosis.  He was taken from us way too early, but we are so blessed to have the time with him that we did.  He was a father that wasn’t afraid to tell us he loved us.  He not only told us he loved us, he showed us in so many ways.  Hal, rest in eternal peace.  We love you and miss you so much. 

Hal is predeceased by his sisters Lennie Branin and Susie Lawton.  Survivors include his loving wife Wanda K, Branin; sons Ryan, Casey (wife Kate), and Cody Branin; brother Robert “Butch” Branin (wife Linda), sister Debbie Lightfoot (Ralph); brother-in-law Ken Lawton, daughter-in-law Jenny (husband Alan) Bean, granddaughter Keeli Branin, grandsons Brandon and Kyle Bean; nephews Joey Lightfoot and Josh Branin; Nieces Jennifer Lane (husband Barry) and Rachel Konop and her two boys Gavin and Landon, and various aunts, uncles, and cousins.  

A Celebration of Life will take place at 1PM on Wednesday, April 13^th, in First Baptist Church, 607 N. 13^th Ave., in Boise. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Hal’s honor may be made to St. Luke’s Hospice.