Randy Hanson
JOCKO VALLEY — Randy Hanson died of a stroke on August 1, 2012. He was born on January 25, 1936 in Froid, Montana.
Randy spent most of his 76 years in the Jocko Valley. He moved here as a young man and fell in love at first sight with Anita Espinoza. They married two days after he turned 19 and spent the next 45 years together. They raised three children, Charles, Carla, and Charleena. One of Randy’s favorite roles in life was Papa to Rusty Hanson, Anita Jean and Seth Hershman, his beloved grandchildren.
Randy’s work ethic is legendary, and he spent much of his life doing physical labor and ranch work, always with the intention of providing for his family. For many years, he was a millwright for Stone Container. Randy was often praised for his ingenuity and the pride he took in his work. In 1985, he engineered something called the “Hanson Chip Sampler” which saved the mill and other mills around the country a great deal of money. Machining and jerry-rigging were Randy’s specialties. Give that man a tool belt and some duct tape and he could fix just about anything.
Randy loved to be in a boat on a river or lake, fishing pole in hand. He treasured his fishing trips to Alaska. In his later years, he valued nothing more than to be with family, watching the young ones grow.
Randy’s heart was as big as the Montana sky, and many people benefited from his generosity. He expressed love through service; giving and helping others gave his life purpose.
He is preceded in death by the love of his life Anita; grandson Rusty Hanson; and siblings Kenny Madsen, Ray Hanson, Mervin Hanson, Darlene Berg, and Kay Spotted Bull.
His children, two grandchildren, two sisters, Irene Davidson and Joyce Boos, and a vast network of in-laws (Lolita Hendrickson is more sister than sister-in-law), nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and friends, survive Randy.
Deep thanks to the staff of fourth floor-south at Saint Patrick’s Hospital who helped Randy and his family as Randy left this life.
A celebration of his life has taken place.
Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula has more details.
