Harland Ray Hanson, 79

Harland Ray Hanson of Kalispell was born on May 8, 1947, and passed away Oct. 4, 2026.

Harland was a man of town; there wasn't a person he didn't know and a friend he couldn't make.

He graduated from Flathead High School in 1966. There, he was known as Red and a state champion wrestler. Wrestling was a passion from high school that stayed with him. Other passions included hunting, time on and near water, camping, being in the woods, bowling with his best friends every Saturday night and cutting a rug on the dance floor. Additionally, panning for gold became one of his most loved pastimes. 

After graduation, Harland went on to serve in the National Guard. After the National Guard, he joined the ranks of men working the Alaskan Pipeline. Oh, the stories he could give you from that time. Harland loved telling stories of times come and gone. 

Harland spent his life driving big rigs. Those highways and mountains never stood a chance when he got on them.

You name it, he hauled it. But his favorite thing to haul was his fifth wheel with his love Gale and their Boston terrier(s) by his side. 

He and Gale spent as much time as they could traveling around Montana and to and from Arizona, where they spent 14 years living up the retired life at the Desert Gold RV Park in Salome.  

Unfortunately, Harland was diagnosed with Parkinson's, and eventually he and Gale moved back home to Kalispell to be closer to family.

But not before they were married, after many years spent together, in a very lovely ceremony surrounded by family and friends in Las Vegas April 29, 2023. 

Harland is preceded in death by his loving parents, Harold Hanson and Gladys (Farris) Hanson, along with his daughter, Holly Hanson Degner.

He is survived by his loving wife, Gale Noteboom Hanson; his three daughters, Kori Erickson of Libby, Heather Hanson of Las Vegas and Misty (Jason) Loveless of Kalispell; his sister, Judy (Larry) Brosten of Kalispell; his brother, Roger (Sharon) Hanson of Seattle; his stepchildren, Ellen (Craig) Langel of Missoula, Rob Noteboom of Anaconda, Linda (Jason) Noteboom of Victoria, Texas, and Kitty Noteboom of Kalispell; his three nephews, Pat, Dan and Kyle Brosten; along with, many extended and loved family. 

The love of his six grandchildren, one great-grandchild, nine stepgrandchildren, and five great-stepgrandchildren will live on with him. 

Harland's laugh, smile, jokes, and love will be missed by all who knew and loved him. He is now free to enjoy every morning sunrise  at his leisure. 

No formal services will held. There will be a celebration of his life outdoors in the summer of 2027 with the date to be announced.