Gary passed away on Sunday September 20, 2026, with his children around him. Born in Milwaukee, WI. On July 20, 1942. He was raised in Rochester, Minnesota until moving to Albuquerque in 1952.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Diana Steadman.

He is survived by his sister Jane Ann Parke and husband Terry, brother-in-law Neil Steadman and his five children Mike Hanson and wife McKenna, Mark Hanson and wife Merry, Holly Gray, Mindy Urias and husband Robert and Rick Hanson and wife Kristy.

Gary had 8 grandchildren: Michaelann Rodriguez, Courtney Utash, Haven Avila, Estrella Avila, Derrick Duran, Hayley Hanson, Chyanne Robertson, and Samantha Martinez, 13 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary joined AFD in March 1964 but resigned after two years on the job … Gary re-applied with AFD and on 3/27/1967 he rejoined AFD with the 15th AFD Cadet Class … Gary retired from AFD as a Fire Fighter on 6/22/1987 after 22 years of service … Gary was also in the United States Military from 1962 – 1965.

Gary loved playing senior softball and played until he was 80 years old. He was an avid hunter and fisherman when he was younger. He also loved going to the lake and playing on lake toys and riding on the boat or the wave runners. Gary also coached his kids when they played sports and enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Before he passed, he was excited because he thought he was going to get to watch a great granddaughter play softball.

Funeral Services have been scheduled as follows:

Friday – October 9, 2026, 11:00 am …. “Celebration of Life” Memorial Service at the Daniels Funeral Home, 4310 Sara Road SE, Rio Rancho NM 87124.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Albuquerque Retired Firefighters Association. Please contact Mr. Trujillo at (505) 400-3644 for more information.