David Hanson Obituary

Dave & I led aBig Horn backpacking trip in 1975. He was a good partner & teacher - easy to get along with. I lost track after he left Irondale. I've been wintering near Port Charlotte & regret I didn't know his whereabouts. My condolences

Hanson Family, please accept our heartfelt condolences on Dave's passing. We are still having a very hard time with it.
I met Hansons in Saudi Arabia working for Saudia. Being a fresh expatriate, I soon realized the value of friends. Dave and Nancy took a single man in to their home and a very special friendship blossomed.
We've all heard the phrase "Jack of All Trades, Master of None". Those who believe that never met Dave Hanson. Teaching, flying, sailing, diving, electronics, the theater, singing...and the list goes on and on. If I was ever a contestant on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and needed a phone-a-friend, Dave Hanson was my man hands down!
I remember rebuilding a boat motor on Hanson's porch while Nancy prepared Swedish Meatballs. Two sail boating incidents though showed me Dave's character. One night while he and I were camping onboard the sailboat on the reef with another fellow, a storm blew in threatening to push the boat on the reef. Dave immediately grasped the gravity of this dire situation, and we stabilized the boat keeping us from being washed onto the reef. When the storm subsided, we safely sailed away. Dave's skill kept us safe.
The second sailboat incident was supposed to be leisurely ride on Abhor Creek. We had a nice dinner cruise planned, but things quickly went awry when the motor died as we were pulling out of the marina. The wind was against us so we couldn't sail out into open water. Dave assessed the situation in the blink of an eye, immediately telling us to hoist the sails as we tacked around the marina trying to return to our slip. I can still hear him shouting prepare to come about, helms alee! As we tacked, a dive boat full of divers that recently returned watched us, probably waiting for us to crash. Ah, they didn't realize who our captain was and on what I believe was our 4th try, we gently slid into our slip. The watching dive boat crowd cheered wildly! Once again, my friend Dave Hanson's skill and cool head kept everything safe.
long after returning stateside, we kept in touch with Dave and Nancy. Dave cared for Nancy as best he could during COVID and after she passed, he was heartbroken. Gerry and I remember him saying that the nights were especially tough for him.
We cannot think of a kinder soul then Dave. No matter what you needed, the master of all trades was there to lend a hand. We miss him terribly.

We will miss you grandpa

My heart goes out to my cousins and their kiddos... Uncle Dave was one of the kindest people I've ever known, and I will miss him. I loved his zest for life, and that smile, I sometimes wished he was my Pops, oh the adventures you all had!!! I send strength, and virtual hugs... I love you all!