Gary Paul Hamann

Gary Paul Hamann, 80, of Loveland, Colorado, passed away in his sleep on August 18, 2019. Gary was born on July 1, 1939, in Richardton, North Dakota, to Bill and Viola Hamann. Gary was the third oldest of ten children. He grew up in Dickinson, ND, and was known by his siblings to be quite the adventurist and even a little mischievous at times. He graduated from Dickinson High School and then went on to college in Fargo, to attend North Dakota State University. Gary earned a Civil Engineering degree and graduated at the top of his class. After graduation, Gary accepted an Engineering position with a firm in Redding, California. He lived there for about five years, but returned home for holiday breaks. It was on one of those Christmas breaks, when he met Sharon O'Hearn, the love of his life. Gary soon realized he wanted Sharon in his life forever, so he moved back to the Dakotas and they were married in Pierre, South Dakota, on March 14, 1964. Sharon and Gary eventually returned to Dickinson so he could help his father run the family livestock business. Gary was the hardest of workers and put in long hours at Western Livestock. He was known to be fair, honest and so respected by all who knew him, and all who knew of him.

Gary and Sharon had three children during this time, Jill, John and Jenny. He was an incredibly devoted, and dedicated husband, and father. Everything he did was for the well-being and security of his family.

Gary wasn't one to speak of himself much or his accomplishments. It was repeated many times over by others, that when Gary spoke, everyone listened. Because you knew it was going to be either really interesting or really insightful, mixed in with some humor. Gary and Sharon lived in Dickinson for over 50 years. When their kids were grown, they decided to make a move to Arizona and pursue their shared passion of being outdoors, and hiking year round. While they kept a house in AZ for winters, they decided to move again to Loveland, CO in 2000. They hiked and climbed many mountains and trails throughout their years in CO, even conquering 'Fourteeners', well into his seventies. Gary and Sharon complimented each other beautifully, she the social enthusiast, and he the 'rock' and supporter. Their homes were places for many happy gatherings of family and friends. Gary was also a steady, quiet, loving presence in the lives of his grandchildren. A role that has had a lasting impression to this day.

In April of 2018, Gary lost Sharon to a devastating neurological disease. He was never the same after losing her, in more ways than one. His disease, Lewy Body Dementia, started to take over in the months following her passing. As those who have experience with, or care for those with a 'memory' disease, there is no recovering. Only progression. Eventually the disease took over and Gary passed away early on the morning of August 18th. He will be missed dearly. He will always be an inspiration, and role model to many, and a hero in the eyes of his daughter.

Gary is survived by his three children; Jill (Rick) Amundson, John Hamann, Jenny (Derek) Sprague, four grandchildren; Josie Amundson, Christian Sprague, Shelby Sprague and Finn Sprague, seven siblings; Wayne (Pat) Hamann, Noell Reinheller, Bill Hamann, Lynnie (Joe) Melena, Charlotte Hamann, Louie Hamann and Dan Hamann. His sister in law Marge Swett, brother in law Bill Foster and brother in law Dan O'Hearn. And many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gary is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Viola Hamann, sister Bonnie, sister Joan and Sharon.

There will be gathering to honor Gary on October 5th in Estes Park, CO and a memorial hike in Rocky Mountain National Park, specifically, the beautiful Ute Trail.