FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Gordon L. Hanson
08/15/1918 — 01/09/2008
From Richland, WA, US | Born in Parkers Prairie, Minnesota
Gordon L. Hanson
Gordon L. Hanson, age 89, passed away into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at Kadlec Medical Center, Richland, WA.
Gordon was born August 15, 1918 in Elmo Township of Ottertail County, MN. He was both baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church of Parkers Prairie, MN and graduated from Parkers Prairie High School in 1935.
Upon earning a Bachelor of Science degree from St. Cloud State in June 1940, Gordon taught junior high Math and Science in Minneota, MN for a year, but soon opted for a different career path upon learning the building custodian earned more than a first year teacher.
Gordon met his wife Jewel E. Matson of Willmar, MN while attending St. Cloud State University where they both served as officers in the Lutheran Student Association. They were married on June 13, 1943 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Willmar, MN.
Gordon volunteered for military service in the US Army in June 1941. He served in several locations in the US, including Texas, Orlando, FL, Walla Walla, WA, and training at the University of Chicago, IL during the infamous nuclear chain reaction experiment at Stagg Field. He was eventually sent overseas during WWII serving in the South Pacific and Philippines, earning an Honorable Discharge as a 1st Lieutenant in 1946.
Upon his return from military service, Jewel and Gordon lived in Minneapolis where Gordon earned a degree in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota in June 1948, while Jewel worked for the FBI in Minneapolis.
Since Gordon had enjoyed his military assignment in the Pacific Northwest, he accepted a job with General Electric at the Hanford site and moved to the Tri-Cities in 1948, living in Pasco and Kennewick for a short time, before getting housing in Richland where he has resided since, almost 60 years.
Gordon and Jewel were blessed with two sons, Gregor and Todd, both of whom live in Richland. Gordon has remained a faithful member of Richland Lutheran Church since he joined in January 1949, having served as president of the congregation, as well as the Luther Senior Center complex, church choir, and other offices within RLC.
Gordon was an avid hunter and golfer serving as President of the Richland Rod and Gun Club, the Washington State Sportsmen's Council, and the Sham-Na-Pum Men's Golf Division. Professionally, he served as president of local chapters of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers AICHE; American Nuclear Society ANS; and was a member of the National Management Association NMA. He was a charter member of the Elks, and a lifetime member of NRA. He was also an active supporter of Richland youth baseball programs, a former member of Richland Bomber Booster club, and was a volunteer for the local March of Dimes and Heart Association fund raising campaigns.
He thoroughly enjoyed attending the sports activities of his three grandsons and closely followed the games of the Seattle Mariners, WSU Cougars, and Tri-City Americans. His other hobbies included bowling, gardening, and working crossword puzzles.
Gordon retired from employment as a chemical engineer with Atlantic Richfield/Rockwell International in 1982 after 34 years of service. After retirement from the Hanford site, he worked for Science Applications SAIC as a consultant with his expertise on the safety of nuclear waste handling/disposal processes. His motto was ''if a job was worth doing, it was worth doing it well,'' and his expectations for precision and performance were quite high.
Gordon was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Jewel, in 1999. His parents Gust and Clara, and sister Mildred also preceded him in death.
He is survived by his son Gregor Hanson and grandson Neil; son and daughter-in-law Todd and Lori Hanson and grandsons Ryan wife Jami, and Eric; daughter-in-law Patti Hanson; sisters Hazel Holt of Alexandria, MN; Evelyn Geithman of Parkers Prairie, MN; and Vera Jensen of Coon Rapids, MN. Also surviving are brother-in-law Winton Matson wife Marion and sisters-in-law Carol Matson and Doris Matson, all of MN, as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and other special family members and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A memorial service will follow at Richland Lutheran Church at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Richland Lutheran Church 901 Van Giesen, or to the Tri-Cities Chaplaincy Hospice House in Kennewick at 2108 W. Entiat.
MISS ME When I come to the end of the road, and the sun has set for me. I want no rites in a gloom filled room, why cry for a soul set free. Miss me a little, but not too long, and not with your head bowed low. Remember the love that we once shared, miss me but let me go For this is a journey that we all must take, and each must go alone. It's all a part of the Master's plan, a step in the road to Home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know. And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds, miss me, but let me go.
We miss you Gordy!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Peter, Lori and family
Gordon was a caring neighbor and always willing to help Others.Gordy was a big help to my mom Flornce and her family.
The Richland Rod and Gun Club was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Gordon Hanson on January 9,2009 at the age of 89. Gordon joined the Club in 1960 and was elected president in 1962, vice president in 1971 and president again in 1972. He was a recipient of the Club’s Distinguished Service Award in 1978 and received a 25 Year belt buckle in 1985. In addition, he served many years on the Board of Trustees and volunteered for many club projects. Gordon was a staunch supporter of the Club and its programs. He will be missed.
When I first came to work for Atlantic Richfield Hanford Company on July 7, 1975; Gordy was a senior member of the engineering group I was assigned to. He was viewed as an expert in the chemistry and waste processing business and was involved in developing first of a kind safety analysis and Environmental Impact Statements for Hanford Waste Management Operations.
Gordy was always gracious and helpful to the others around him, and was patient and helpful to a snot-nosed, smart alec chemical engineer, fresh out of the University of North Dakota.
After a short time, my wife Debbie and I began attending Richland Lutheran Church, where Gordy and Jewel were long time members. Gordy continued to be a friend through the 33 years we have been here in the Tri-Cities. He greeted us with a smile and a handshake. Even though he retired from Rockwell in 1982, he often asked about the ongoing work “out in the area” and how I was doing. He always complimented my musical efforts with the choir and various solo and instrumental efforts.
I’ve missed seeing Gordy’s smiling face on Sunday mornings, and will miss his friendly manner he exhibited every time I saw him.
Jim Honeyman
I was unable to attend Gordy’s services but wanted to share some thoughts that came to mind.
When my Dad, Slim, passed away in the mid nineties, Gordy was the only person Dad worked with at Hanford, who came to the service. Slim started at Hanford with the Manhattan Project, retiring from Hanford in 1978. Slim worked as a crane operator in both the Bismuth Phosphate and Redox plants and later as a chemical process operator.
I worked with Gordy in the Waste Management Process Engineering group from about 1966 to 1973. I also played golf with him a few times both in the Hanford Golf League and in the company sponsored annual tournaments.
Gordy was a hard worker and a fountain of knowledge, particularly about Hanford Waste Processes and Disposal sites and methods.
Go with God, Gordy.
When I was a youngster at Hanford, Gordy was always the “go-to” guy because he had so much experience and knowledge, and was so pleasant to work with. We really enjoyed our Saturdays during football season, sitting next to Gordy and Jewel at the WSU games! We miss you already, Gordy.
To Gordon’s family, we were saddened to hear of your Gordon’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Gordon&Jewell were enjoyed by Don’s folks, Jake&Ella Meyers through their Richland Lutheran activities. Gordon liked to give Jake his “extra ducks” when coming back from hunting. We both enjoyed our visits with Gordon&Jewell when visiting at Richland Lutheran with Jake and on special occasions at RLC after his passing in 1999. We know both couples are having good times together again with their Lord in Heaven!
Our Hugs and Prayers continue for you,
Don and Marti Meyers
Guestbook for
Gordon L. Hanson