Gary Hanson

Gary Lynn Hanson, 67, passed away from heart surgery complications. on March 29, 2014, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

He and his twin brother Jerry were born Oct. 29, 1946, to Leland and Ardath (Buck) Hanson in Kalispell.

He attended school at Mountain Brooke, and graduated from Flathead High School in 1964, followed by a stint at the University of Montana where he was a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He joined the Navy in 1967 and was honorably discharged in 1975, moving on to receive a bachelor’s from LaVerne College in 1974.

Gary married Gail Moller on Jan. 13, 1973, in Kalispell. They lived in California for a brief time before moving back to Kalispell to raise their two children, Ashlee and Kristopher. He worked as an electrical contractor for most of his career.

In May 2002, while preparing to run the Bloomsday race in Spokane, Gary was struck by a car and suffered many injuries, including a traumatic brain injury.

He is survived by his wife Gail Hanson; daughter Ashlee Robison and husband David, of Columbia Falls; son Kristopher Hanson, of Kalispell; grandchildren Madeline and Mark Robison, of Columbia Falls; four brothers, Lonny Hanson and wife Bonny, Jerry Hanson and wife Cheryl, Dave Hanson and wife Sue, and Dick Hanson and wife Debbie; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and wonderful friends.

An open house to honor Gary will take place at Jagz Restaurant in Kalispell on Saturday, April 5, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Donations in Gary’s honor can be made to Kalispell Regional Health Foundation, c/o Traumatic Brain Injury Support Group.