Gary Dallas Hanson was born to Edward and Hazel Hanson on December 11, 1949 in Miles City, Montana. He grew up in Ashland, Montana. Gary, surrounded by his family, passed away at St. Vincent’s Hospital, on August 23, 2018, after his battle with cancer.

Gary was raised in a loving family and remained very close to his parents until their passing. He continued a strong bond with his older brother, Harold, throughout his life.

As children, Gary and Harold spent countless hours exploring the countryside, and enjoyed the many adventures of hunting, fishing and camping the area provided. They spent their high school years working together, with their dad, at the family gas station and farm implement store, in Ashland, Montana.

Gary graduated from Broadus High School in 1968 and later attended and graduated from Montana State University. It was at MSU where Gary met his soul mate of 46 years, Debbie; they married at the Lutheran Church, in Big Timber, on September 11, 1971. They built a home on Debbie’s family ranch, on Dry Creek, just outside of Big Timber, Montana, where they started their family with their eldest son, Jay, daughter Jamie, and youngest son, Marc.
Gary worked several jobs during his lifetime, but spent the most time working for Sweet Grass County, on the road crew, and helping his father-in-law on the ranch. Gary loved running heavy equipment and working outside. He was an expert at operating a bulldozer and was often called to cut fire lines, during the summer, in some of the most rugged terrain and precarious conditions.

Gary was a family first man; a man who enjoyed life completely, and whose life was at its pinnacle when he was surrounded by the ones he loved the most. He maintained a close bond with his brother, Harold, and his family; often hunting, boating, fishing and camping with them. He found the most pleasure spending time with Debbie along with son Jay’s and daughter Jamie’s families, camping, fishing and hunting. Or, just having simple get-togethers, firing up some steaks at his country home, and enjoying a meal together on the deck. He reveled in his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments. He was most proud when he could share in their life’s successes.

Patience, kindness, dignity, respect, integrity, generosity, and love of family are all qualities that Gary not only held in high esteem, but are morals he practiced and taught to his family and friends every day, during his time on this earth. Because of Gary, those values will continue in perpetuity through generations.

His father, Edward, mother, Hazel and son Marc, preceded Gary in death. He is survived by his Brother, Harold Hanson (Norma), his wife, Debbie Hanson, son Jay Hanson (Belinda) daughter Jamie Nevin (Todd) grandsons Austin Hanson and Mason Nevin and granddaughters Ashley Hanson and Madison Nevin.

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