Gerrit Dennis Hjellen

Gerrit Dennis Hjellen was born Aug. 13, 1938, at Providence Alaska Medial Center in Anchorage. Gary died at age 76 on Dec. 5, 2014, after a short illness.

He was predeceased by his parents, Pat and Al Hjellen of Wasilla. He is survived by his wife, Judith; her children Patrick, Devin, and Shannon; their children and grandchildren; brothers, Gil and Pete; sisters, Susan, Alice, and Ida, their children and grandchildren; and by his son, Tom and Rochelle Hjellen and their sons Nickolas, and Thomas of Vancouver, Washington.

Gary, as he liked to be called, started painting at an early age, marking up the walls around his crib. He was the oldest of six children growing up in Wasilla. As a young man he taught himself to play the piano, learning by ear. He also transferred that skill to the accordion and guitar. As he grew into adulthood he tried many avenues of work but seemed to always come back to painting. Most of his adult life he lived in Wasilla

Gary was very talented artistically. But as is often the case with artists, he was never interested in creating commercial art or becoming a famous Alaskan artist. However, his art did have to meet his standards, which were very high, before he would allow it to be sold. He is probably best known for his gold pans but they were only a small part of the work he created. He loved painting trains, landscapes and futuristic art as well as creating caricatures and working in a variety of venues. Art, warmth, and good nature carried him a long way.

Gary cared for any stray animal that came around and always had several at their home. Several winters ago he started feeding a few starving ducks on Lake Lucile. He would often be seen buying a carload of old bread and corn for them. They have done well and will surely miss his daily feedings. He never complained, always had a smile and a friendly word for those he met and would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Gary’s life is from 3 to 5 p.m., Dec. 21 at the VFW. In lieu of flowers, send donations to P.O. Box 298263 Wasilla, AK. It would be appreciated.