Gary Gene Hansen's Obituary
Gary Gene Hansen was born on January 27, 1941 in Long Beach, California to Earl Herman Hansen and Nanna Ida Kendall. He passed away peacefully on December 2, 2013 in West Jordan, Utah. He was a loving, generous husband, father, and grandfather who left a legacy of service, ingenuity, and optimism.
Gary grew up in Boise, Idaho, the third of four siblings. He served in the Air National Guard and attended Idaho State University where he worked on a degree in Nuclear Engineering. Gary married Sharon Ann Barnhill on June 20, 1961 in the Salt Lake Temple. He took great delight in serving his wife and finding creative ways to express his love. He especially enjoyed purchasing jewelry for her on special occasions. The couple lived in Utah, Texas, Alaska, and Pocatello, Idaho before settling in Boise where they raised their four children. Gary worked at various professions throughout his life, often working more than one job at a time, before finally starting his own business, Honeydoo Handyman. He was a jack of all trades and could fix anything. His motto was “Make it, Make do, or Do without.” When something was broken, Gary would always fix it. He was an excellent problem solver and very creative. He even created a hovercraft lawnmower and rigged a homemade zipline for his children. He often gave new things away to those in need and fixed the old item to keep for his family. He was a perfectionist and very precise. He excelled in mathematics, but had an artistic side that was especially exhibited in his later years. He had a great love for airplanes and the outdoors. He spent much of his life camping, fishing, and hunting. He found great joy in working alongside his sons, and always involved them in his activities. He especially enjoyed fixing and rebuilding cars and trucks with his sons. Gary also had a special place in his heart for his daughter. He loved music and always enjoyed listening to her play her flute.
Gary was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and always displayed a lot of faith in the Lord. He served in various callings throughout his life, including Dance Instructor, Elders Quorum President, Stake Missionary, and Sunday School President. He also had a passion for the scouting program, and found great joy in helping his boys become Eagle Scouts. Ultimately, Gary was a people person. He loved being around people, and people loved being around him. He was patient, sweet, and generous.
Gary is survived by his wife of 52 years, Sharon; children, Dana Kay (David) D’Ewart, Gary Todd Hansen, Darin Lee (Cheryl) Hansen, and Brian Keith Hansen; 3 siblings, Grace Stewart, Nanida (Lyle) Green, and Earl D. Hansen; 19 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.
The family wishes to give a special thanks to those that took such good care of Gary through his long and tedious journey with Alzheimer’s and cancer. Specifically, the home nurses, CNA, and Physical Therapist from Reliance Home Health, the Utah Alzheimer’s Association program run by Aspen Care Center, the nurses and CNA’s at Copper Ridge Care Center, and the end of life care given by Bristol Hospice.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 5th at 1:30 p.m. at Westbrook 1st Ward, 6500 South Dixie Drive (3620 West). Interment will be held on Saturday, December 7 at 1:30 p.m. at Terrace Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Boise, Idaho.
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