Douglas Ward Hanson

Douglas Hanson, aged 85, of Sheridan, Montana passed away peacefully amongst family on April 3, 2025, after complications with diabetes. Doug was born on December 26, 1939, to Clarence and Louise Hanson in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There, he was raised on a dairy farm where all the cows were named after flowers, and he enjoyed fishing the lakes with his two older brothers Charles and Phil. His family moved to California in the late 1940s/early 1950s, and Doug later graduated from Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School in San Jose California on June 25 th , 1953. He continued his studies at Mountain View Academy, graduating on June 19, 1957. Doug later enlisted in the Army on July 12, 1963, as a trombone player, and was honorably discharged April 7, 1964. Afterward, Doug worked in the Stanford hospital and played guitar in a band where he was able to cross paths with and meet guitar legend, BB King.

Doug had fallen in love with Montana when his family had traveled through on their way to California, so he moved there in the early 1970s for a slower pace of life. He was married to Lynn Glueckert in 1975, and they had two children, Robert and Susan. The family lived in Helena, where Doug worked as a computer programmer for the VA at Fort Harrison. Doug enjoyed being an excellent father, doing outdoor activities and sports with his kids, and often described these as the best years of his life. In the late 1990s, Doug retired and then was divorced from Lynn in December of 1999. A few years later, he moved to a beautiful cabin in the Ruby Valley where he lived out his days doing what he loved.

Doug loved fishing, music, animals, flowers, and the beauty of the Montana outdoors. In his earlier years, he also loved hunting and camping. His most favorite things to do were playing his guitars, going fishing, gold panning, watching sports on T.V., playing on his tablet, and visiting with his children. Doug was the kindest and most gentle man you could meet, and his calm demeanor and unwavering guidance made him pleasant to be around. He was not only a gifted musician and amazing guitar player, but an avid fisherman, devoted father and grandfather. Doug is survived by his son, Robert Hanson, and daughter, Susan Hanson, daughter-in-law Viktoriia Hanson, grandchildren, Milana Hanson, Maksim Hanson, one more grandson due in August, his brother Phil Hanson, and many other loving relatives and friends.

A memorial funeral service will be held at the St. Mary of the Assumption Parish located in Laurin on Monday, April 14 th at 1pm. Following the burial, a reception will take place with food, music and memorial video at the Valley Assembly in Sheridan.