Norman Hanson

Norman K. Hanson, 91, passed away Aug. 17, 2014, at home in Marion, with his loving wife of 61 years, Sue (Eberhard) Hanson, at his side.

Norm was born in Bigfork on Oct. 5, 1922, the youngest of three children born to Gilrock Hanson and Bertha (Hendrickson) Hanson. He was a lifetime resident of Flathead County. He served in the Army and was honorably discharged.

Norm was employed as a ranch foreman by Mrs. A.M. Moore in Marion. In 1949, he purchased the ranch, operating it as a cattle ranch and the Shining Mountain Girls Camp, and later the M Lazy V Girls Camp. He also hosted Camp Caravan, a traveling boy’s camp from the East Coast. The M Lazy V is one of the oldest brands in the state and will continue to be held by the family.

Norm was a professional licensed wilderness guide and outfitter for more than 30 years in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area, based in the Spotted Bear and Seeley Lake areas.

He was well known for his time spent on the Northwest Montana Fair Board from 1959 to 1980.

In the early 1980s, Norm and Sue sold a portion of their ranch to the Wilderness Treatment Center and moved to another part of the ranch, where he enjoyed raising cattle and developing it into a small cattle ranch.

He is survived by his wife Sue; children John Hanson, Leila Hanson and Aileen Broston, and their families; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Per Norm’s request, there will be no public service.

In remembrance of Norm, he would be honored if people would do a kind deed for someone and think of him.