Donald "Don" Hansen

Don Hansen of Spokane, Wash., was welcomed to Heaven on June 9, 2022.

He was born in March 26, 1935, in Asotin, Wash., to Oscar and Geneva Hansen. His sister Doris arrived two years later and together the family moved several times until they settled on a ranch in Hay, Wash. Although he later enjoyed a career in the oil industry, his fondest memories were of his days on the farm.

After graduation from Lacrosse High School in 1953, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed in Alabama, Moses Lake, Anchorage Alaska and California, before he was honorably discharged in 1958.

When he was 15, he first met Linda Henley (she was age 8) when she dug worms to sell (two for a penny) to local fishermen. Years later when he returned to Hay after being discharged from the military, the rest was history. They married in 1960 and moved to Spokane, where Laurie was born.

The next year, Unocal transferred them to Lewiston, Idaho, where they welcomed Kristie. In 1966, they were transferred again and settled in Lynnwood, Wash.

Tired of being transferred every three years, Don made the decision to buy two Unocal stations in Seattle. They eventually completed their family by welcoming two more daughters, Tami and Shelley. He loved being the father of four girls.

Don was known for his contagious smile, charismatic personality and compassion for others.

He became friends with just about every person he met. On many occasions he was known to give gas at the station away for free to a person in need. Several employees were welcomed into his home and embraced by his family when they needed a roof over their heads, Linda's good cooking and maybe a little positive influence.

Aside from pouring his energy into his business, he poured his heart into having fun with his family and friends. His daughters will always remember and cherish a childhood full of countless weekends dirt biking, snowmobiling, camping and great friends. It wasn't uncommon to have the "Green Machine" motor home well over full capacity with extra kids from the neighborhood to join in on the weekend fun. Later, school and sports activities took on a larger role. Don traded campsites for softball tournament parking lots, hosting crowds of kids between games. He was adored by all.

As time progressed and he moved on from the oil business, he eventually became quite the chef, adept at making grilled-cheese sandwiches and pancakes as he found himself in charge of grandchildren. He was a beloved grandfather who loved watching them grow as much as he did his own children.

Finally, he and Linda fully retired and moved to Spokane, Wash., where he enjoyed his final years once again, making friends with everyone he met. Between Linda's garden and his beloved bulldog Augie's good looks, the walking path in front of their house is a popular place for friends and neighbors to visit. Don and Augie could frequently be found sitting out front ready to chat with any passerby who couldn't resist the friendly nature of Don, Linda and Augie. He will be missed by all.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Neva; and brother-in-law, Jerry Gates. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Linda Henley Hansen; daughters Laurie (Lou) Kennedy, Kristie Hansen, Tami Jennings and Shelley (Greg) Mead; and his dear friend and sister, Doris Gates. He is also survived by his grandchildren Josh, Cari, Jeramey, Karlie, Jessica, Ashley, Maddox and Trevor; and great-grandchildren, Easton and Lillian. He was looking forward to meeting two more great-grandchildren due later this year.

At a later date, his ashes will be placed in the Hay cemetery near his beloved wheat fields. No services will be held at Don's request.