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Gary Hamacher Obituary

Gary Arnold Hamacher, Our dad passed away peacefully in his home in Palmer, Alaska at 75 years of age on December 26, 2012 surrounded by family and friends.

A gathering in his honor will be held at his home in Palmer, Alaska later this spring. A public notice will be published when a date is determined.

Our dad was born October 11, 1937 in Monticello Village, MN. He moved to Anchorage, Alaska with his family in 1949 from Becker, MN. He and our mother, Joan, moved from Anchorage to the Stephan family farm in Palmer, Alaska in 1999 where he resided until his passing.

Our dad began his long career in construction in Alaska alongside his father Carl Hamacher and Uncle Louis Hamacher, constructing many notable structures in Anchorage. He later focused on building custom homes and custom furniture. He was very proud of the work he did repairing Anchorage homes, schools and other public buildings immediately following the 1964 earthquake.

In his spare time, dad was a sculptor, painter, and master wood worker. His works have graced the Anchorage Museum and are maintained in many fine art collections.

Our dad was a true Alaskan. He loved camping, boating, and hunting; however, he was shamelessly devoted to fishing and had many grand adventures with friends and family over the years. He was not shy when it came to sharing secret techniques or spots, (as long as you brought your own tackle). Two of his favorite pass-times were gardening and carefully scrutinizing the Stokes Seeds Gardening Guide.

He loved, and was loved by, those who knew him as Father figure and mentor.

He enlisted in the Army at Fort Ord, CA. and served with the 813th Engineer Battalion Fort Richardson in Alaska from 1958 to 1964, completing his service with the Army Reserve.

He was preceded in death by his wife Joan Elizabeth Hamacher, Nee Stephan; their infant son Steven, and his parents Carl and Letty Hamacher.

He is survived by his daughter, Leslie Hamacher and her sons Dylan and Devon Yunker, all of Seattle, Washington; his son Daniel Hamacher, Daniel's wife Alison and their daughter Lilyanne and son Sebastian, all of Palmer, Alaska; Kathleen Tibbles of Spokane Washington, and Janet Core of Grass Valley, CA; brothers-in-law Duane Tibbles and Richard Core.

Arrangements were cared for by the Valley Funeral Home and Crematory. Please visit Gary's obituary and online guestbook at www.AlaskanFuneral.com

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Jan. 6 to Jan. 7, 2013.
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To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Gary Hamacher

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"Since you've been gone, every morning when I get out of bed, I look into the mirror hoping to find my smile. But, no smile. I look and I look, but it's nowhere to be found. I keep my eyes peeled wherever I go, but still no luck. When I try to think just where it might be, I can't help but wonder....if maybe you know where I left my smile? Because the last time I saw it, I was with you."
~Author Unknown

Last night, I looked at beautiful northern lights and an awesome full moon without you standing next to me in your entryway. It's been a month, and I miss you.

Tracee

January 26, 2013

Gary was a wonderful classmate and friend.

Paul Moseley

January 24, 2013

Dear Gary Hamacher family:
A note for you, and I hope that your good memories will help you in this hard time. It is never easy when family dies. We know that is the way things, but still is very hard. I remember playing at the farm. I was cleaning out a drawer a couple days ago, and I am looking at the T-shirt from the Cox-Borst reunion July 7,1991. I think I got it out of Mom and Dads things. I hope things are all right there. I am in Peoria, IL, and am retired 3, and a half years now. Take care all. I enjoy keeping in touch if anyone has time.
Love, Dave

David B. Cox

January 18, 2013

Today, I am really missing Gary. I have missed him since the day of his passing. I went through my seed catalogs without him. It was quiet - no heckliing or teasing or laughing about the price of cucumbers, or which tomatoes are best, and how to grow the best. He was a wonderful neighbor and strong loving spirit. The neighborhood is not quite the same without him.

My blessings and thoughts are with Dan and his family, and Leslie and her sons. And I also want to extend my gratitude to Tracey and her family, for all the love and joy, comfort and care they gave Gary these past years.

Gary enriched my life here in Palmer in so many ways, and I am grateful. My bees and I will miss him through the days.

Love Dori

Dori McDannold

January 16, 2013

Dear Dan and Alison,

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.

I talked to Gary after I moved down here in Colorado. Jo and Gary was the best neighbor who you can ask for, I will always remember Jo's flowers and Gary's salsa.

Please accept my condolence and although I can't be with you while you remember your loved one, you're in my thoughts from afar.

Phu Le White

January 13, 2013

Sympathy to Gary's family from his school classmates. It was an honor to know him.
May God grant you His peace.

Ruth Ann Walkup-Stearns

January 12, 2013

It was great to know you. I enjoyed the time I spent with you, and your vast knowledge of everything from growing to woodworking was impressive. You will be missed.

Derek Jacobs

January 8, 2013

Philip Schaefer

January 8, 2013

Rest In Peace Gary. In meeting you I was blessed by your soft caring personality and I celebrate a life well lived.

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/adn/guestbook.aspx?n=gary-hamacher&pid=162138747#storylink=cpy

Marita Lawler

January 8, 2013

Sadly, there are so many family members we go through life never having the pleasure to meet. Thank you for sharing Gary's obituary with those family members who still reside in the Becker, Mn area. While I never had the pleasure of meeting Gary, I have fond childhood memories of Carl and Letty. Thoughts and prayers to Gary's family, loved ones and friends. God Bless.

JoyAnne (Hamacher) Suchy

January 7, 2013

I miss you very much. I am going to make a memorial for you with blue flowers in Mom's flowerbed. Thank you for looking at seed catalogs with me.

Dylan Jacobs

January 6, 2013

I liked to mow your lawn with your riding mower with my Mom and Dad and brother. I had fun taking care of you for 3 weeks while my Mom was gone and teasing you about your CURLS in the back of your hair!
Love ya!

Eden Jacobs

January 6, 2013

Tracee Jacobs

January 6, 2013

Tracee Jacobs

January 6, 2013

Tracee Jacobs

January 6, 2013

Tracee Jacobs

January 6, 2013

Tracee Jacobs

January 6, 2013

Tracee Jacobs

January 6, 2013

Tracee Jacobs

January 6, 2013

Tracee Jacobs

January 6, 2013

Tracee Jacobs

January 6, 2013

Tracee Jacobs

January 6, 2013

My family and I were blessed beyond measure to know and serve Gary over the past 1 1/2 years. Thank you for allowing me the honor and the privilege of caring for your dad/grandpa/brother/friend--I will cherish all my memories of this special man that I came to love so very much and know so very well.
Gary: I miss you--your crazy antics, your silly phone calls, watching Top Gun with you 500 times, leaving you reminders on sticky notes that were stuck everywhere and you keeping those notes until they were ratty. I miss you teaching my husband and loving my kids, waving at you in your window as we drive by, our talks every day, and your stories about your life and the people you loved. I miss all the details of taking care of you, holding your hand, rubbing your back, our out-loud laughter and our giggles in those quiet times. Most of all I miss the light of your joyful slate-blue eyes and the amazing hugs you'd fold me into to greet me each day. I NEVER left your side, wing man--I love you to the moon and back (with candy corn).

Tracee Jacobs

January 6, 2013

Gary was a terrific friend. We will miss having him as our neighbor as well. Our sincere condolences to your family.

Cheryl & Joe Homme

January 6, 2013

We are sure going to miss this guy. What a great character; he never complained, never lost his sense of humor. His art will live on, his family will never forget him. Jo and Gary were some of our favorite people, carrying on the memory and traditions of Uncle Harold. Those summer picnics at the farm were great times. We will sure miss you, Gary.

Harold and Sue Faust

January 6, 2013

When I think about you I always remember
our childhood days in Mt View . We had
lots of fun in those days.

Lois Ingalls

January 6, 2013

It was with sadness that we read Gary's notice in the newspaper today. He was a friend for many years to our family; we cherished his subtle wit and tremendous expertise in both art and woodworking. Gary will be missed greatly.

Mike & Teresa Ascone

January 6, 2013

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Funeral services provided by:

Valley Funeral Home – Palmer Chapel & Cremation Service

2020 N. Hemmer Road, Palmer, AK 99645

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