Robert John Hansen, age 80, was born December 24, 1943 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Charles Robert Hansen and Gertrude Ida Garbett. Bob passed away at his home December 3, 2024 in Grantsville, Utah. While most knew him as “Bob” he was happiest being called “Dad, Grandpa, friend and coach”, because that is what he loved most.
Bob met the love of his life, Delores McInelly, on a bus ridedestined to Disneyland with a church youth group. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on June 25, 1964, and subsequently blessed with 4 children; Teresa Ann (Terry) Benson, Robert Brian (Kathy) Hansen, Charles Edward (Melissa) Hansen, and Tawnya Kaye (Jeff) Willes, and the proud grandparents to 10 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and beautiful wife. Though he was an only child, he was blessed in life with those he loved as his brothers and sisters, too numerous to mention.
Bob loved life and never passed up the opportunity to bring humor into almost every situation. One thing he never made light of wasthe gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints where he served others through his priesthood and numerous callings throughout the years. He often said, that the words he desired most to hear from the Lord is “Well done thou good and faithful servant”.
Some of Dad’s most cherished memories are related to the holiday season. Dad was able to help others understand the true meaning of Christmas as a very special “helper”. He was able to help spread joy, cheer and hope to so many children and families.
He loved hunting, fishing, camping, and most anything outdoors. The activity he loved the most was working with and coaching youth. He coached little league baseball in Grantsville for 13 yearsresulting in numerous first place finishes and wins in world-series all-star tournaments. He coached Ute Conference little league football for 2 years where he assisted a group of boys to winningthe State Championship. In addition, he served as an assistant coach at Grantsville High school for 1 year. Through all of his coaching experiences, his unique talent was the ability to work with the boys who needed a little extra help.
Bob also loved music. He said that he knew some words to thousands of songs, but teased that he didn’t know the words to any one song all the way through.
He worked for the U.S. Government for 28-1/2 years at Tooele Army Depot. He then worked with Grantsville City Police Department as the Animal Services and Ordinance Enforcement Officer, as well as a medic for Grantsville City Police Department S.W.A.T. Team. He also served as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician for the Tooele County Ambulance service for many years.
Dad had the ability to talk to almost anyone with ease, and treated others as if he had known them for years.
The family would like to thank CNS Home Health and Hospice, Dr. Ronald Trudel and his staff at Mountain West Medical group, and Mountain West Medical Center for all of their kindness and care given to Dad during his final days. We are also very grateful to Gene Hoopes from Dalton-Hoopes Mortuary for his gentle guidance of our family at this difficult time.
One last thought from Dad, at his request, “Be happy! It is my graduation day!”
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 12 Noon in the Grantsville 4th Ward Chapel. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, December 11th from 6-8pm at the Church located at 428 S. Hale Street in Grantsville. Also a viewing from 10:30am to 11:30 AM prior to the funeral. Internment at the Grantsville City Cemetery.
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Sometimes in life you have a friend who seams more like family than a friend. Bob was that to our family. He was our Santa, he was like a brother to Danny. He’s going to miss those visits and rides they’d go on. We’re happy he is with sweet Delores now. We love you Hansen family, you’re in our hearts and prayers.
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