Norman K. Hanson, 91

Norman K. Hanson passed away on Aug. 17, 2014, at home in Marion, with his loving wife of 61 years, Sue (Eberhard) Hanson, at his side.

Norm was born in Bigfork on Oct. 5, 1922, the youngest of three children born to Gilrock Hanson and Bertha (Hendrickson) Hanson. He was a lifetime resident of Flathead County.

Norm wore many hats throughout his lifetime. He served in the Army and was honorably discharged.

Norm was employed as a ranch foreman by Mrs. A.M. Moore in Marion and in 1949 purchased the ranch, operating it as a cattle ranch and the Shining Mountain Girls Camp, and later the M Lazy V Girls Camp. He also hosted Camp Caravan, a traveling boy's camp from the East Coast.

The M Lazy V is one of the oldest brands in the state and will continue to be held by the family.

Norm operated school buses for many years, starting the grade school bus routes to Marion School from the Ashley Lake, Rogers Lake and Thompson River areas. He also operated the bus route from McGregor Lake and Marion areas to Flathead High School in Kalispell. Norm always loved kids and taught many of them life habits.

Norm sat on the Marion School Board and served as a Marion Volunteer Fire Department trustee.

Norm was a professional licensed wilderness guide and outfitter for over 30 years in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, basing in the Spotted Bear and Seeley Lake areas. Some of his fondest memories came from his adventures in the outdoors.

Norm was well known for his time spent on the Northwest Montana Fair Board from 1959 till 1980.

In the early 1980s Norm and Sue sold a portion of the ranch to the Wilderness Treatment Center and moved to another part of the ranch where he enjoyed raising cattle and developing it into a small cattle ranch. It was a life he truly loved and lived until the very end.  

Norm had many good friends all over the world and shared many exciting adventures with both kids and adults. He loved life and cherished every day, good or bad.

He is survived by his wife Sue; his three children, John Hanson, Leila Hanson and Aileen Broston, and their families; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Norm was a teacher to many children and adults who crossed his path from all over the world. He was admired by many and thought of as the true cowboy hero in the eyes of those that learned from him. He will never be forgotten, having touched the lives of so many.

Per Norm’s request, there will be no public service.

In remembrance of Norm, he would be honored if you would do a kind deed for someone and think of him.