Our beloved father, grandfather, and friend, Warren Eugene Hansen, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, Saturday, November 5, 2016, age 88. His eternal companion of 66 years, Jeanine Showell Hansen, preceded him in death, two weeks earlier. Born August 23, 1928, in Tremonton, Utah to Warren Eugene and Ruth Steed Hansen. He was the second of eight children.
W. Eugene Hansen married Jeanine Showell on September 8, 1950, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Mom was the love of his life and they were inseparable, always holding hands. Eugene is the father of six children, three of whom preceded him in death: Christian E. Hansen (Cindy Hansen, Los Altos, CA), W. Jeff Hansen (JoAnn Narus, Salt Lake City, UT), Matthew S. Hansen, and sister, Zola Hansen. He is survived by children: Susan H. Porter (T. Flint), Steven A. Hansen (Julie), Stanton W. Hansen (Ann), all of Salt Lake City, UT, sisters, Sherma Fridal (Walt, deceased), Lynda Hansen, Laralee Hansen, and brothers, Walt Hansen (Niki), Carl Hansen (Lauralee), Conly L Hansen (Joyce). He is also survived by twenty-one grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren.
As a young boy, Dad enjoyed life on the farm with family and friends. He taught us principles of hard work and discipline through stories of thinning beets, milking cows, and harvesting corn. He honored his parents and brothers and sisters, sharing stories of how each influenced his life. He spoke fondly of his childhood.
Dad attended Bear River High School where he was recognized for academic honors and served as Student Body President. He won 1st Place in the National Future Farmers of America public speaking competition, resulting in a trip to the White House to meet President Harry S. Truman. Dad valued his experience as an exchange student in England. At Utah State University, Dad was a loyal Aggie, active in ROTC, and elected Student Body President. He graduated in agricultural economics.
Dad distinguished himself through hard work, service, and integrity. He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Utah in 1958 and continued his commitment to the law school through Moot Court and other initiatives. He was a trial lawyer for 31 years, member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, President of the Utah State Bar, elected to the American Bar Foundation, Charter Member and President, American Inns of Court No. 1, Order of the Coif, University of Utah, Honorary Degree, Doctor of Laws Utah State University, Chairman State Board of Regents, Board of Trustees Utah State University, Board of Trustees Westminster College, Board of Directors Deseret Book.
Dad loved his country and served 20 years in the military, including two years' active duty in the Korean War. He was promoted to Full-Bird Colonel at age 44.
Our father was a faithful and devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many church callings, including: Bishop, Stake President, First Quorum of the Seventy, later Presidency of the Seventy, Salt Lake Temple President, and Patriarch. Our mother served faithfully with our father and was Matron of the Salt Lake Temple.
Dad had great love and admiration for the life-long service and friendship of his Home Teacher, Skip Daynes. Mom and Dad looked forward to attending Cannon Hinckley with Elder Joe and Sister Barbara Christensen. They were blessed to have family close by ‚ especially the next-door relationship of daughter and son-in-law, Susan and T. Flint Porter. Dad enjoyed fly-fishing, hunting, camping, and other outdoor activities. Mom and Dad enjoyed volunteering in the community.
Special thanks to our father's medical providers and caregivers, Christi Mabey, Luisa Tapia, Janae Rindlisbacher, Launa Caldwell, the teams at Rocky Mountain Home Health Care and Hospice, and University of Utah Medical Center.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 13, 2016, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S., Salt Lake City, UT. Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 14, 2016 at 12:00 pm, Bonneville Stake Center, 1535 E. Bonneview Dr., Salt Lake City, UT, with a viewing for family and friends from 10:30 to 11:30 am. Interment, Wasatch Lawn, 1736 E. 3300 S., Salt Lake City, UT.
