Kingsford "Gary" Hand

Kingsford “Gary” Hand was born February 18, 1935 in Neodesha, Kansas to Paul Raymond and Esther Ellen (Catron) Hand. He died on November 19, 2023 in Bellingham, WA. Gary is survived by his wife Marta (Farmer) Hand; daughter Lorenda Wieder (Steve); son Brad Hand (Kerri). Grandchildren Allison Nelson (Josiah), Elizabeth Hand, Tobin Wieder and Zachary Wieder. Great grandson Ezra Nelson. Also survived by niece Linda Cline (Jim) and nephew Jon Cline (Sheryl) Gary was preceded in death by his parents and sister Sherry Cline.

Gary came to Washington with his family in 1935 at the age of 6 months and continued to live on the same road (Paradise) for 88 years.

After graduating from Ferndale High School in 1953, he served two years in the United States Army. He was very proud of that service, especially in later years. While stationed in Germany, Gary served in the Military Police escorting the “brass” to different locations on his motorcycle and keeping young men out of trouble when they were out on the town.

Gary worked as a heavy equipment operator for over thirty years. As a member of Operating Engineers Local 302 he worked locally and in Alaska on many different job sites. The family remembers Sunday drives pointing out job locations throughout the county.

After retirement, Gary could be found in the coffee shop with other retirees or in his shop working on a multitude of projects, many never finished!

Gary would like to be remembered as always bringing a smile to those he met and for his humor.

A private graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery on Tuesday, November 28, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to DVSAS, 1407 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225 or Whatcom Humane Society, 2172 Division St, Bellingham, WA 98226