Raymond Kenneth Hanlan, “Ray,” of Missoula, passed away on April 24, 2015 at Village Health Care Center, of natural causes.
Ray was born in Moose Jaw, Canada on January 2, 1925 to Edward A. and Edith (Haldeman) Hanlan. At the age of 5, Ray moved with his family to Gillette, Wyoming. He attended a one-room school with his brothers and sister through the 7th grade.
The family, including a second daughter, moved to Weston, Wyoming to farm. There were no other kids in that district to hold school. Ray, his mother, and younger sister, went to Gillette, Wyoming where he completed the eighth grade.
Ray has worked very hard like a grown man since he was 14 years old. At the age of 17. Ray got his first job on a ranch, which was his first time away from home. He worked on two other ranches along with one sheep ranch before being drafted into the Army on September 22, 1950. He was stationed at Fort Collins, Colorado and Fairbanks, Alaska from 1950 to 1952 and Honorably Discharged.
Ray made money in Fairbanks by doing ironing for the other soldiers when they were out on the town. On Saturday nights he took tickets at the movie theatre and he got in free.
At the time of the Korean War, Ray and a group of fellow soldiers were waiting to board a plane headed to Korea. When it came his turn to get on the plane there wasn’t room for him. Ray said, “I was pretty lucky.”
By saving his money Ray was able to buy a farm in the Three Mile area next to his brother and parents. After his father’s crossing, Ray lived with his mom until her crossing in 1983. He then moved into his own place across the pasture in 1985.
Ray farmed and raised sheep from the early 1960’s. He loved gardening flowers, chickens, sheep and most of all his 45 kitties. Ray was one hell of a hard worker, sensitive and honest as the day is long. He also was generous to a fault. He never wanted to leave his farm. Ray donated lambs to 4H and was made an honorary 4H member.
Ray was preceded in death by his mother and father, brother Floyd E. Hanlan of Three Mile, sisters Viola Ballard of Sacramento, CA and Alberta “Bert” Hanlan of Missoula.
He is survived by his brother, Everett Hanlan of Broadus, MT, two nieces; Evelyn Kraft and husband Danny of Otter, MT, Pat E. Hanlan of Broadus, MT, as well as several cousins.
By Ray’s wishes cremation has taken place. There will be no services. His ashes will be spread at a place of Ray’s choice.
We would like to thank all the many Jacksons on Three Mile, the Wandlers and Leeses for watching out for Ray throughout the years, most recently these last two years.
The family suggests memorials to Fox Hollow, Animeals, and Humane Societies of your choice in Ray’s name.
The Cremation Society of the Rockies is assisting with arrangements and condolences for the family may be left at www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.