Garry Wendel Hakanson

On December 11, 2024, Garry lovingly reunited with his beloved Judy. Garry Wendel Hakanson, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully that day. Born on July 31, 1938, in Bingham Canyon, Utah, to LaVell 'Bing' Wallace Hakanson and Mary Garrett Hakanson, Garry lived a life of kindness, curiosity, and unconditional love for those around him.

Garry earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah and served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he deepened his faith and commitment to service. Throughout his life, he embraced numerous church callings, always seeking to uplift and inspire those he met.

Professionally, Garry worked as a realtor, but his greatest joy came later in life when he married the love of his life, Judith Anne (Judy) Sadler Hakanson, on December 24, 1987. They were sealed for time and all eternity on June 12, 1999, in the South Jordan Temple. Together, they built a home overflowing with love, laughter, and warmth. Judy’s generosity and care for family and friends often meant their home was filled with family members, grandchildren, and visitors. Their nights were often filled with the sounds of grandkids laughing, chatting, and sleeping on couches, floors, and any available spot. Garry never once complained about the traffic or the joyful chaos. Instead, he embraced it with quiet grace, always making everyone feel welcome and loved, no matter how busy or full their home became.

Garry and Judy shared an inspiring love story, always holding hands, dancing, and spreading joy wherever they went. Garry’s natural curiosity and genuine interest in people made him unforgettable. Whether young or old, stranger or friend, he found a way to connect and make others feel valued.

A true Bingham Miner at heart, Garry loved sharing stories, Garry loved sharing tales of his childhood in Bingham Canyon, his "tough Grandpa Blacky Garrett," his encounter with a cougar while hiking, and his cousin, the astronaut. These stories became part of his legacy, cherished by everyone who had the privilege to hear them.

In his later years, Garry found immense joy helping Judy run a daycare. He became a beloved grandfather figure to countless children, embodying patience, kindness, and a playful spirit. His gentle nature extended to animals, too. He had a remarkable gift for connecting with all creatures, whether carrying spiders outside or holding bees gently in his hands, treating every living thing with respect and compassion.

Garry is survived by Judy’s children: Hollee King, Lisa (Jack) Ryser, Sindee Nielsen, Laura (Chris) Cameron, and David (Erin) Nielsen; grandchildren: Laycee, Bobbie, Chantel, Danyl, Tiffany, Tyler, Kailee, Addison, Cynthia, Samuel, Makenzie, Alexia, Skyler, Madison, Coda, Noah, and Nox; great-grandchildren: Trinitee, Adaleena, Tristen, Lydia, Leo, Mckillan, Rowen, Mayzie, and Saylor; and many other cherished family members and friends.He was preceded in death by his parents, LaVell and Mary Hakanson; his wife, Judy; his brother, Dallas Kay Hakanson and his son-in-law, Larry King.

Garry’s legacy of love, kindness, and storytelling will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him. He was truly one of a kind—a man who found joy in the simplest moments and loved unconditionally.

A Celebration of Life and visitation will be held on December 27, 2024, from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 Bengal Blvd (7600 South), Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121. Sharing of memories will be at the first of the celebration at 12:00 p.m. Interment will follow at South Jordan Cemetery 10630 South 1055 West South Jordan 84095. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to a children’s charity of your choice in honor of Garry’s unwavering devotion to nurturing and loving others.