MACHIAS – Gary Hanscom, 64, died Jan. 26, 2012, at Downeast Community Hospital after a courageous battle with carcinoid cancer. He was born Jan. 16, 1948, to Tickie and Annie Hanscom.
Gary was a 1966 graduate of Machias High School and then served three years in the U.S. Army with one year in Vietnam. Gary worked at various jobs, including Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Machias Police Department, driving a truck for Graham Brothers’ and Gay Brothers’. He and his wife, Judy, owned and operated Helen’s Restaurant from 1988 to 2008; during that time they built Helen’s of Ellsworth, which was sold in 2003. Gary enjoyed salmon fishing, riding his lawn mower, spending time with his grandchildren and he especially loved spending his winters in Florida.
Gary is survived by his wife of 31 years, Judy (Dorr) Hanscom; his mother-in-law, Evelyn Dorr; his five sons, James Hanscom of Machias, John Hanscom of Florida, David Barker and wife, Julie, of Machias, Larry Barker and wife, Terri, of East Machias and Shane Barker and wife, Lori, of Pittsfield; his sister-in-law, Joan Carter and her husband and Gary’s best friend, Bob; and sister-in-law, Joyce Jamison and her husband, Allan. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, Meghan Rodgers, Russell Hanscom, Rianne Ackley and husband, Evan, Drew, Courtney and Camden Barker, Hunter and Hailey Nichols, Keirstin, Damon, Brecken and Brayden Barker; one great-grandson, Jackson Ackley; his sisters, Dotti Mace of Sullivan and Brenda Haley of Brooks; his best friend, Bob Carter; and special cousin Maureen Smith and husband, Dick. Gary was predeceased by his parents, Tickie and Annie; his father-in-law, Lawrence Dorr; brother-in-law, Fred Mace; and dear friend, Robert Foster.
A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Machias Valley Baptist Church, 6 Broadway St., Machias. A reception will be held after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Downeast Community Hospital, Pallative Care Room, care of Julie Hixon, 11 Hospital Drive, Machias, ME 04654. Condolences may be sent at
www.bragdonkelley.com.