Mark Thomas Hanson
"Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them." In his lifetime, Mark Hanson accomplished all these.
Mark was the kind of guy who stuck out in a crowd. He couldn't help it. Larger than life, a giant of a man, he endured the many comments and nicknames; ‘How's the weather up there? Do you play basketball? Can you reach this for me? Hey, Stretch, Hey Tiny!' Never did this quiet guy seek the spotlight but it seemed to find him anyway. His humble, quiet manner was balanced by a wild streak a mile wide and just as deep.
Mark's career spanned 35 years in the ready mix business, the majority of them spent at Altaview Concrete. He developed many friendships, was well known and highly respected.
Fishing was a huge part of Mark's life. He and Susan basically raised their kids on a boat. Strawberry, Flaming Gorge, and Lake Powell were some of his favorite places but he was most at peace when standing in the middle of the Big Hole River in Montana drifting a Rapala.
Look out if you loved this guy or he loved you. Once you were in his heart, you were there to stay. Mark pushed the limits of love. His happiest days were spent surrounded by the people and animals he loved. He was always bringing in strays, both human and canine. Throwing legendary Daytona 500 parties and barbequing a steak that would put the world's finest steak house to shame, filled him with joy. He had an open door policy at the Lazy H and you can bet he would invite you back to feed his alpacas or pull up a chair to watch his pigeons roll in the sky, all with the greatest and most diverse soundtrack playing in the background and a mug of pebble ice and Fresca in hand.
In 2010, Mark had greatness thrust upon him. A cancer diagnosis turned into a six-year marathon of challenges that proved the greatness of this big man. Each trial was met with a determination that astounded the gifted physicians and health care professionals who served Mark throughout his many health issues. We would like to thank the staff at IMC and U of U hospital for their valiant efforts on Mark's behalf. Our hero beat more odds in this crazy journey than he ever saw at any horse race or craps table. His friends and family fought by his side and for him through this incredible saga.
Mark was an example to us all by the way he loved and lived. His love lives on in the spirit of his beautiful granddaughter Adara, in the determination of his son Jackson and daughter-in-love, Adrie. His love lives on in the giving heart of his daughter Lindsey and her prince, Jer. His love will forever have a happy home in the sparkling eye of his high school sweetheart and wife of 35 years, Susan.
He is also survived by his siblings who cherished their baby brother since the day he was born and will miss him dearly, Linda Anderton Olson (Dennis), Bill Hanson (Melanie), and Barb Hilton.
He is preceded in death by his beloved parents, Oscar and Lois Hanson and his best pal Grunt who will be waiting for him at the Rainbow Bridge.
We celebrate your greatness, Mark. We are not afraid. Your love is still shining and will help us on our way. It's been a hell of a party!
In lieu of flowers, Mark would like if you opened your home and heart to an animal or person in need.
Join us for a celebration of his remarkable life Saturday, July 16th 2016 from 5pm-9pm at the Lazy H (Hanson Residence) 3388 Derby Way (8245 S.) West Jordan, Utah 84088.