Cyril Burdett Hanson's Obituary
CYRIL B. (Cy) HANSON 1920 ~ 2008 After a long, happy and productive life, Cy Hanson died at age 88 on April 26, 2008. He was born to Clinton and Gladys Hanson in Dickinson, No. Dakota on January 14, 1920. They preceded him in death, as well as brother L. Clair Hanson, and son-in-law Richard Desbrow. Cy wished to express his love, appreciation and admiration for his wife, and his children and grandchildren for being such incredible fellow-travelers on his life journey. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Arlene; and by son Jon Hanson and wife Diane; daughters Marilyn Desbrow and Christine Absher; and son Dennis C. Hanson and wife Doreen. Also surviving are beloved grandchildren, Dennis L. Hanson, wife Yon and daughters Marianne and Erika; granddaughter Sonja Hanson and husband Patrick Hurley and son Gus; grandson Aaron Absher; granddaughter Greta Huskie and husband John and sons Ian and Shaun; and granddaughter Grace Hanson. Cy is also survived by brother Vincent Hanson and wife Virginia; sister Dee Nightingale; sisters-in-law Jean Hanson and Janet Carlson; and son-in-law Bill Absher. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as hosts of friendships, some of which date back 60 or 70 years. Cy's family moved to Tacoma when he was a child, and he attended local schools, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1938. He married the former Arlene Carlson in 1941, and they purchased a little home on South Lawrence Street, which they continued to live in, though much remodeled and enlarged, for the ensuing 66 years of their marriage. Cy joined the U.S. Navy in 1944 for a two-year hitch. After his return from the service in 1946, Cy joined the Tacoma Police Department. His police career centered largely on youth work, and he was assigned to the Youth Guidance Division. In 1957, he took special training with the Juvenile Delinquency Control program at U.S.C. Also in 1957, Cy was featured in Look Magazine, representing Tacoma as it received the All-American City award. He became active as Youth Director for the UGN, and served a term as president of the Washington State Juvenile Officers' Association. When problems arose in the Hilltop area in the 1960's, Cy was appointed to a new division of the TPD, as head of the Police Community Relations. His calm leadership helped to diffuse some potentially volatile situations. Cy retired from the Police Department with the rank of lieutenant in October, 1971, and for the next five years worked as a bailiff in Federal Court. In the 1950's, when his children were still small, Cy and Arlene purchased a wooded beach lot on the shores of Puget Sound. Cy built a beautiful cabin and since it was high-bank property, constructed a 126-step stairway to the beach. This spot, named "Hanson's Hideaway," became the special family vacation retreat for forty-five years. In the 1970's, Cy began using his carpentry skills in building and remodeling houses. He was a master craftsman, who also used his talents to create beautiful furniture in his workshop. He was truly a "Mr. Fixit," and enjoyed being able to keep the family's households in good shape. Cy's skills were much in demand as a set designer and builder for drama productions, and he enjoyed a 20-year partnership, with his wife as director, for the Asbury Players, a highly-regarded local amateur theater group. Cy rejoiced in seeing all four of his children graduate from college and obtain fine careers. As they married and produced offspring, he relished his expanded role as Grandpa. Until recently he remained involved in all the activities of Asbury Methodist Church, since first joining as a teenager seventy years ago. The Hanson's home was always open to the kids' friends, and became quite a teenage hangout. They also hosted several exchange students, who became part of the family during their stay in America. Cy's failing health in recent years curbed his energies, but he continued to enjoy the companionship of lifelong friends. His favorite social activity was "eating out," and he looked forward to weekly gatherings. Cy was a true-blue Christian, strong, honest, faithful, and a man of integrity. A great light has blinked out, and the world is a dimmer place because Cy Hanson no longer shines in it. There will be a family graveside service at Mountain View Valley Rose Urn Garden at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2008, with the Rev. Dr. Chester Aumua officiating. On Saturday, May 3, 2008, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. there will be a Celebration of Life reception for Cy at the Spanaway United Methodist Church, 163rd & Pacific Avenue. His myriad friends are invited to come and share love and laughter and memories of Cy.
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