William Donald Francis Hanson

William Donald Francis HANSON January 5, 1926 - April 18, 2003 Born in Calgary, Alberta, to Peter and Mary Hanson, Bill grew up on a farm in eastern Alberta before serving in WWII with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He is survived by his greatest asset, his "precious" wife of 53 years, Edna Mae Fox Hanson. He is also survived by his brother, Paul, three daughters, Karen Neville and her husband Tim, Mary Joan, Elizabeth Hopkins and her husband Tim, and, a son Ronald, and his wife Susan. As well as five grandchildren, Bree VantLeven, Cady and Danny Hopkins, and Jonathan and Jason Hanson. Bill pursued a career in the print industry and in 1956 he moved from Calgary to Washington with his wife, Edna, and two oldest children, Karen and Ronald. He was employed by the Seattle Times for over 15 years, where he served as shop steward, then President, of the Seattle Typographical Union. Bill then became president of the Northwest Typographical Union, a position he held for over five years. Bill also served as the Public Printer for the State of Washington and Cabinet Member under Governors Dixie Lee Ray and John Spellman from 1977 to 1982. He was then offered the position Director of Print Operations for the University of Washington, a position that he held until his retirement in 1989. Bill was an active member of the Holy Rosary Church in Edmonds since 1958, and served as President of the Seattle Archdiocese Cursillo Movement. He helped organize the Serra Club in Edmonds. Bill was also very concerned about the homeless and donated time to the Lazarus Day Center. Some of Bill's favorite things were his daily attendance at Mass with Edna and visiting with their dear friends after Mass in their breakfast group. He also enjoyed walking to the beach with the love of his life, Edna, golfing with his buddies, listening to music, and tinkering in his work-shop. He was a strong patriarch of the family, a real "Pal" to his grandchildren, the best dad, and a devoted and loving husband. He died peacefully at Mother Joseph Care Facility in Lacey, Washington, exhibiting his very special sense of humor throughout his struggle with cancer. He will be dearly missed and forever loved. A Prayer Service will be held at Beck's Funeral Home in Edmonds at 7 p.m., Sunday evening, April 20th. The Memorial Service will be held at11 a.m. Monday at Holy Rosary Church in Edmonds. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Lazarus Day Center, 416 Second Avenue Extension South, Seattle, 98104. Or, to the American Cancer Society. Arrangements Beck's Funeral Home, Edmonds, (425) 771-1234.