Gerald E. Hanson D.D.S
Gerald E. Hanson D.D.S., M.P.H., of Las Vegas, and Clarks Fork, Idaho, left this world behind to claim his greater reward after a courageous battle against malignant melanoma.
Gerry was born July 18, 1947. He passed away on Jan. 23, 2009.
Following his childhood in Minnesota, and a short detour to serve Uncle Sam in Washington D.C., in the late ‘60s, Gerry found his calling in dentistry and ultimately, in oral and maxillofacial surgery.
His practice on Jones Boulevard in Las Vegas grew to be one of the most successful in the Western states, not only because of his fine surgical skills, but because of his uncompromising standards of excellence and compassionate care of his patients.
Gerry loved his chosen career path and was determined to give back what it had given him.
He spent countless hours in selfless service to organized dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery, serving as president of the Clark County Dental Society 1982-83, president of the Nevada State Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 1983-85, president of the Nevada Dental Association 1987, secretary-treasurer of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 1988-91, and president of the Western Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 1995-96.
He served his adopted home state on the Nevada State Board of Health from 1990-95, and acted as chief of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Sunrise Hospital 1984-94, and Sunrise Mountain View Hospital 1995-2001.
His final and most enduring tenure was on the Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation, where as chairman from 2005 to 2007, he created and spearheaded an innovative annual giving campaign that brought unheralded success in funding research for the specialty.
As impressive as Gerry’s professional accomplishments were, they were only a small part of the man. He acquired a love of aviation at an early age and became a talented pilot.
His superb restoration of antique and classic airplanes was legend and the list of awards too numerous to mention.
He often said that flying was less expensive than hours on a psychiatrist’s couch, and his perspective on this earthly life was most easily restored by looking down from the heavens.
Gerry was an accomplished singer with an incredible voice that graced numerous church choirs and, on occasion, a fortunate karaoke bar.
His appetite for reading and learning was endless — he was a student of history, of aviation, and of religion. His studies brought him into the fold of Christianity in his later years, a source of strength and comfort during the trials of his illness.
Because of his great character, Gerry garnered friends from all aspects of his extraordinary life. He was a cherished and loyal son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend and mentor to countless individuals who had the privilege of being touched by this exemplary human being. He will be forever missed.
Gerry is survived by his father, Gerald S. Hanson of Lincoln, Neb.; and his sister, Cleora Bently of Mankato, Minn.; as well as, numerous extended family members. Services are pending. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Foundation or to the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.