Gary Hans Petersen

Feb 29, 1956 -

Apr 1, 2020

Gary Hans Petersen passed away on April 1, 2020, in Seattle, Wash., after a 5-month battle with cancer. His parents were by his side. He was 64.

Born in Seattle, Gary went to grade school in Kirkland. His family moved to Bainbridge Island in 1970. He attended high school and was the only student with a birthday on Leap Day. He moved to Juneau, Alaska, in 1974, and graduated from Juneau Douglas High School.

In 1974, after high school, he started at Alaska Airlines. He worked in Juneau, Seattle and retired in Anchorage in 2019 after 45 years.

In his younger years he traveled the world, rode motorcycles, dirt bikes and lived on a boat for a short while. He could fix and build almost anything from simply reading a book. He enjoyed the trial and error it took to make it perfect.

While working at Alaska Airlines he met the love of his life, Debra. They married in 1992. He became a stepfather to Ryan, Keven and together had a daughter, Anna. He taught the boys to fix motors and build almost anything. He shared his appreciation for the outdoors with Anna. Many adventures hiking, skiing and biking with her. He was truly a beloved husband and father.

In later years he enjoyed all things outdoors and working on his cabin. He was obsessed with golfing. He always loved a good "dad" joke. He and Debra loved to travel to new places with no real plan in mind except a rental car and each other. Before their passing, they planned to retire and become snowbirds. Enjoying summers at the cabin they were building in Willow and winters in Palm Spring, Calif.

When Gary learned of his cancer he moved to Seattle for treatment and he was happy he could spend more time with his parents and sister.

His parents: "Gary was a wonderful caring son, brother, father and grandfather. He will always be remembered in our hearts."

Sister Cindy remembers fun times as kids and traveling with Gary as adults. She treasures every moment she had with him: "He was sweet, kind and loving. I will miss my brother."

His longtime friend, Richard Grass said: "So many good memories of my fine friend. He was never happier than when he met Deb. "

Gary leaves his parents, Ralph and Pam Petersen; sister, Cindy Martin (Charlie); brother, Don Petersen (Kerri); daughter, Anna; stepsons, Ryan Ward (Tiara) and Keven Ward (Stephanie); grandsons, Aidan, Graham and Henry; and many nieces and nephews who adored him.

He is preceded in death by mother, Patricia Petersen in 2007; and wife, Debra in 2019.

Gary and Deb's ashes will be scattered in Seward in the summer of 2021.

Special thanks to Seattle Cancer Care Alliance for the supportive care.

Please donate to Alaska Trails in Gary's name. Alaska Trails supports the trails in the Chugach State Park where Gary loved to spend time.

Condolences can be mailed to 1552 Primrose St., Anchorage, AK 99508.