| Graduation Year | Class of 1962 |
| Date of Passing | Jan 15, 2017 |
| About | Gary W. Hansen passed away January 15, 2017 after a year long battle with cancer. Gary was born in Yakima, WA on April 26, 1943 and lived his entire life in the Yakima Valley. Growing up on Linden Way in Yakima he attended Roosevelt Grade School, Franklin Jr. High and Eisenhower High School. He attended the University of Washington. Gary excelled in sports including football, basketball, baseball and track running events. Gary first worked in his father’s orchards called Valley Roz Orchards in the Lower Yakima Valley. He became President of Hansen Fruit and Cold Storage upon the death of his father in 1968. He continued to grow the company by acquiring additional acreage for production and enlarging /updating storage/packing facilities. He enjoyed many business trips to Japan and China, and the numerous friendships he gained across the world. Growth in the company and its employees were always a priority. Gary always had a love for business ventures away from the fruit industry. Some include co-owner of Yakima Sunkings from 1992-1995, White Lightnin Hauling, Miller Lite beer distributorship, Taco Johns restaurant, race horses, and a reining horse that qualified for the world show. In 2004 he retired full time to his cattle and horse ranch. Spending time on his horse riding the range, with his family, was a favorite pastime. Gary very much enjoyed branding calves in the spring. He especially loved watching helpers try and flank a calf for their first time. Gary will be missed at the weekly team roping events he held at his ranch. His greatest joy later in life was spending time with his grandkids on the ranch. Teaching them to rope and ride, driving them around in the ATV and tractors were among his favorite. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann Hansen, son Cole (Erin) Hansen, daughters Sadie Hansen, Jane Hansen (Kurt Lango) of Portland, Oregon and Catherine (Catie) Hansen of Seattle, WA, brother Harley Hansen (Linda) and sister Joanne Pratt (Steve), his 5 grandchildren, Ridge, Clay, Josie, Tripp Hansen and Jackson Lango. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, W. L. (Bill) and June Ames Hansen. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 in the State Fair room at the Yakima Valley Sundome at 2:00 PM. Gary’s family would like to thank the staff at Highgate Senior Living Center. In lieu of flowers donations may be made payable to Children’s Village, Yakima Special Olympics or the donor’s choice of charities mailed c/o Valley Hills Funeral Home, 2600 Business Ln., Yakima, WA 98901. Yakima Herald Republic, Yakima, WA January 17, 2017 |
