Garry Wendel Hakanson

July 31, 1938 – December 11, 2024

- 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.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Dec. 18 to Dec. 19, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Garry Hakanson

Sponsored by Cannon Mortuary.

4 Entries

Dee Grappendorf

December 30, 2024

Garry and Judy were dear Friends in Alta View Estates where we lived. There was never a more kind, caring and giving couple than the two of them! My special memory: Garry and Judy were at Church for services where they were always wanted to be. In the process of separating for classes, they lost each other. Garry began looking everywhere to find his Sweetheart when a member of the Priesthood offered to help him. He and others were concerned that Judy might have left the church to find her way home, thinking Garry was already home. After further searching, they found Judy, sitting in a classroom, waiting for Garry.
This remembrance came back when It was obvious as time passed, Judy and Garry's memory had begun to fade. When Judy passed away,
caring neighbors would find Garry out walking. In their conversation he would share he was looking for Judy. "She's probably at the temple" he would reply - that "she would be home soon. As the weeks passed, the time had come when dear Garry passed away. My immediate thought after learning of his passing was: "Garry has finally found Judy! He doesn't have to look for her anymore! I was so happy for them, for their togetherness would now be forever! (How I loved these two wonderful friends!)

Edward Hakanson

December 27, 2024

I will miss my cousin he was very special I became an Elder He confirmed me and went thru the Temple my first time with me we went many times until I moved. Garry and Judy came down for a week we really enjoyed their company. He always would tell me a stories about our families. My sister Cheryl always had a saying may "God unfold his ever loving arms around you" I am sure Garry and Judy are together doing God's work. I will miss you both. I wish I could of come up there to the funeral but there was a storm. God Bless

Jan & Dennis Roberts

December 27, 2024

Garry & Judy will be missed by family friends and neighbors. They were so kind to all who knew and loved them. Those who had them as caregivers were truly Blessed. Garry & Judy loved each other and we know they are happy to be back together again.

Mark and Linda Jones

December 20, 2024

We loved both Garry and Judy, what beautiful people they were. We loved their energy and stories and will miss their loving and kind ways.

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