Melvin H. 'Skip' Hanson, 61

Melvin H. “Skip” Hanson, 61, passed away Nov. 27, 2012, in Kalispell, of natural causes.

He was born Sept. 19, 1951, in Kalispell, and was raised in Kalispell.

He graduated from Flathead High School with the Class of 1969.

Skip married Bonnie Holmquist in 1974 in Kalispell. They were married for 36 years.

Over the years, Skip had worked for Bells Manufacturing, LP Gas and Kelly Main. Primarily, he was a mail contractor for the United States Postal Service. Since 2010, he was executive manager for New Republic Apiaries, LLC in honey production and sales.

In 2002, Skip was also a candidate for the U.S. Senate against Max Baucus.

Skip was member of the Family of Faith Church.

He was an avid hunter and loved having coffee and chats at Sykes’ and Montana Nugget.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Dorritt C. Hanson.

Skip is survived by his son, Vince Hanson; daughter and her husband, Libbee and Jammison Todd; sisters, Cecile Powell and Melvin, and Carlene Moore; grandchildren, Tianna and Nicoma Hanson, and Jasmine, Megan, Colton and Shannen Todd; and many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.

Friends and family are welcome to attend a memorial service and celebration of Skip’s life from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 15 at First Church of the Nazarene in Kalispell, followed by a potluck from noon to 3 p.m. For more details, call Vince at 212-6249.