Gaylen Gardner Hansen Obituary (1936 - 2019)

Gaylen Gardner Hansen, 82, passed away surrounded by his loving family on April 8, 2019. He was born on August 21, 1936 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Kermit Victor Hansen and Eva Mae Gardner. He lived in Salt Lake City and Weber County graduating from Weber High School, Weber College, and Utah State University with a degree in education. He taught history in the Weber School District. Gaylen served a mission in Eastern Canada for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved the Lord and loved serving. Soon after returning from his mission he married the love of his life, Nancy Rhead, on February 4, 1959 in the Salt Lake Temple. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. He was the definition of a true athlete. There wasn't a sport that he couldn't play nor was there a sport that he didn't love to watch in person, on TV, or listen to on the radio. He shared his love of sports by becoming a coach for T.H. Bell and South Ogden Junior Highs, Bonneville High School, numerous little league teams, and many Plain City Ward Church teams. He was a wonderful coach that motivated and brought out the best in his athletes. Gaylen had a beautiful singing voice and was an incredibly skilled musician. Although he could play many instruments, he was best known for his skills on the sax and his Louis Armstrong impression. He shared his remarkable talents with others by performing and singing at many events, as well as entertaining with his jazz bands. He was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman. His love of the mountains was shared with his family and friends. When he wasn't fishing, he spent time doing crosswords, working in the yard, woodworking, and religiously attending all types of ball games. Above all else, he was the consummate family man. Everything he did, he did for his family. He was a devoted and loyal husband, an engaged and supportive father and grandfather. He was loving, kind, smart, tenacious, strong, stubborn, and was one of the hardest working men to ever grace this earth. Gaylen is survived by his wife of 60 years, his three children: Lisa (David) Arnold, Mark (Shanna) Hansen, and Amy (Jeff) Dixon, six grandchildren: Gage, Jason, Nathan, Dylan, Bella, and Ava, seven great-grandchildren, and brother Larry (Susan) Hansen. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Delores Blalock and Juanita Busby. The viewings and funeral will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Ward Building, 2335 North 4350 West, Plain City. The viewings will be Friday, April 12, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and Saturday, April 13, 2019 from 10:00 am - 10:45 am. Funeral will be Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 am. Internment Plain City Cemetery. Visitation Plain City LDS Church 2335 North 4350 West Plain City, UT 84404 April 12, 2019 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Service Plain City LDS Church 2335 North 4350 West Plain City, UT 84404 April 13, 2019 11:00 AM