George T. Hanson, 91
George T. Hanson, 91, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2006, at the Riverside Senior Living in Whitefish.
He was born in Los Angeles on Aug. 3, 1915, to George Tecumsah and Gertrude (Helbert) Hanson. George moved to Montana with his family in the early 1920s. He graduated from Butte High School and in the following years graduated cum laude from Montana School of Mines with a degree in metallurgical engineering. He also held a certificate in radio material from Oklahoma A & M.
During World War II, George served in the Navy as an electronic technician mate. While he was stationed in Oklahoma, he met a Navy Wave, Helen Miles, who became the love of his life. After many months of letter writing and following their respective discharges from the military, Helen and George were married in March 1946. They continued to share a loving relation for the next 58 years until her death in May 2004.
George's career brought the couple to Montana. He worked for 37 years for the Anaconda Company as a metallurgical engineer and then retired in 1977.
He and Helen loved to hunt and fish. Casting their fly rods on the beautiful mountain streams, camping in the Big Hole, or shooting their rifles on rugged hunting trips were happy times.
George and Helen were ardent square dancers, and it has been said they danced their way across this country as they traveled in the U.S.A. They also spent time in Europe as tourists or on business.
George was a Renaissance man who had many interest and hobbies. At one time, he held the position of district governor of the Lions Club, was a life member of Elks Lodge 239, and an active participant with the American Legion.
He loved music and was the vice president and charter member of the Flathead Community Concert Association. He was a member of American Radio Relay league and Quarter Century Wireless Association and was recently honored for his 60 years as a ham radio operator.
From his generous heart, George took interest in and offered financial support to a plethora of nonprofit organizations and gave of his time to community service and people around him. George was a scholar and a gentleman. He was excited and interested in nature, the world, and people he knew.
He is survived by his sister, Audrey Vandeveer; sister-in-law, Phyllis Miles; cousin-in-law, Fern McDowell; and four nephews, five nieces and numerous grand- and great-grandnephews and nieces. He also leaves behind his beloved poodle, Sammy.
Let it be noted that George will truly be missed by his family, friends, and the staff of Riverside Senior Living, where he resided for the past 3 1/2 years.
Graveside services for George will be held at 11 a.m. today, Aug. 25, at Glacier Memorial Gardens, with Pastor Jan Van der Poll of Central Christian Church officiating.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Yellowstone Boys Ranch, 1732 S. 72 W., Billings, MT 59102; or to the Central Christian Church: P.O. Box 955, Kalispell, MT 59903.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for George's family.