Obituary - Gary Dean Hanson

Gary Dean Hanson, 88, passed away February 9, 2024, after fighting with congestive heart failure.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life service will be postponed until June 8, 2024 in Fort Mohave, AZ.

Gary was born June 10, 1935, to Vic and Verlie Hanson in Scobey, MT. He grew up ranching alongside his parents until he joined the Army in 1953 and was on leave when he met his wife-to-be, Paula. They married on September 9, 1956 and to this union five children were added.

Gary and Paula worked ranch jobs on the Hi-Line until they purchased their own place in Zurich, MT. in 1960. In 1969 they moved to Havre where he was employed with Burlington Northern, and later on Amtrak where he got his nickname - Cowboy. They also ran a contracted mail route for over 20 years.

Gary and Paula later divorced and he got remarried to Joellyn Suchy, and together they made their new residence in Vancouver, WA. After retiring from Amtrak, they moved to Fort Mohave, AZ, where Gary could have all the time in the world to putter around in his wood shop crafting many projects for family, friends and grandchildren.

The one other thing they enjoyed the most was traveling and seeing the country.

Joellyn passed in 2014, and Gary got remarried to Jackie Regensburg in 2017 in Las Vegas, NV. They continued living in Fort Mohave, AZ, until his death.

Gary loved to work in his yard (and was very proud to show off his western town he created in his back yard encompassing his Coy pond). There was never anything out of place, woodworking for all, and traveling. He also enjoyed the heat.

Gary is survived by his wife Jackie; sister Ann Manuel, Havre, MT; five children, Robert (Lisa) Hanson, Havre, MT, Paul (Lorrie) Hanson, Box Elder, MT, Tim (Lisa) Hanson, Fort Mohave, AZ, Keith (Keri) Hanson, Chinook. MT, Michelle (Mike) McEwen Helena, MT; a stepson, John (Karen) Suchy, Eureka, MT; 16 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by both parents; first wife, Paula; second wife, Joellyn; one grandson, one great-grandson and brother-in-law Charles Manuel.

Memorials can be made to one's choice.