Search by Name
Search by Name
FRANKLIN "FRANK" J. HANSON
FEBRUARY 28, 1942 ~ FEBRUARY 8, 2013
Franklin "Frank" J. Hanson, 70, passed away at his home, February 8, 2013. Frank was born February 28, 1942, in Chico, CA to George Melvin and Edna "Pudge" Mable Hanson. Frank was raised in Glenn and Willows, CA where he attended local schools and lived 40 years before moving to Vancouver, WA in 1983.
In 1959 he joined the Navy where he obtained his GED and two years of college credits. Frank proudly served on the ship, The Coral Sea, through 1962. In 1961, he married Shirley Jean Cunningham and they had a son, Dan. The marriage ended in 1964.
In 1965 he married Karen Marks Hanson, of Willows, CA. They celebrated 47 years together this past year.
Frank started his residential building career in Willows, CA as Ideas Unlimited. In 1983, with their son Mark and daughter Ginger, they moved to Clark County, WA. Frank built their Dollars Corner home which has since become known as "Backyard Boomtown," named by a Columbian newspaper reporter in 1991. Frank, with Karen beside him, created their old western town village evolving over the next 26 years. Frank, a general contractor, owned and operated Mill Creek Custom Homes, until his retirement in 2007. Frank was most proud of his "Granny's House" which he built for the Clark County Home Builders Parade of Homes in 1999.
While living in Willows, CA, Frank became very active in community activities. He became a life member of The Active 20-30 Club, a young men's organization. Their objective was service to youth and community, plus development of young business and professional leaders. Frank was honored in 1973 as "Man of the Year" for the Northern California-Nevada region and as "Man of the Year" for the A-2 District, for his outstanding work in 20-30 activities in Willows. In 1973, Frank became President of the Willows Lamb Derby, the town celebration in which he was involved for nine years. Frank was President of the Willows Softball League in 1972- 1973, and he also served as chief umpire for two years. After coaching Youth Football in both Orland and Corning, CA, Frank and Karen founded Willows Youth Football in 1980. They helped raise $10,000 for two teams that first year. Frank was President of Willows Youth Football 1980-1982. After moving to Clark County, Frank volunteered in 1983 to video the Prairie High School football games. Frank also helped coach his grandson Tommy's Battle Ground CCYF Football Team in 2007 and was affectionately known as "Papa Chi-Chi" to all the players.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, George and Pudge Hanson; and brothers, Gary and Stan Hanson.
Frank is survived by his wife, Karen at home; sons, Dan (Dee Dee) Hanson of Ridgefield, WA, and Mark Hanson of Lovelock, NV; daughter, Ginger (Tom) Strassenberg of Camas, WA; grandchildren, Alaina, Tommy and Kaylee Strassenberg of Camas, WA, Levi Hanson of Lander, WY; half-brothers, George (Susan) Hanson of Roseville, CA, and Britton (Kathy) Bentley of Arizona; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sunday, February 24, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. will be a Potluck Memorial Celebration of Life in Frank's honor at their Boomtown home.
In lieu of fresh flowers, the family requests donations be made to the SWWWC Southwest Washington Wrestling Club; a non-profit organization, % Merle Crockett, 12917 NE Cedar Creek Rd, Woodland, WA 98674. There are scholarships available to assist youngsters wishing to wrestle due to financial hardship and unable to afford cost.
Please sign his guestbook at www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
To all of Frank's family. Sorry to have lost touch with so much family. You are in my prayers. Frank was my cousin. I'm Harold (Nook) Hanson Jr.'s daughter. Lynda Hanson Wood, Surprise, AZ
March 1, 2013
To the Frank Hanson family,Sorry for your loss, Thanks for all the great memories and fun, football, sleepovers, etc., Frank will really be missed by everyone, Andy Gummow
February 28, 2013
Karen my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I was just looking through the scrapbook that I kept of the Sow Bowl. Frank was a generous man and a great coach and it is awesome to see the Youth Football Program that Frank started so many years ago is still going strong. It was his legacy. Safe journeys Frank on your next adventure.
Susan Wunsch-DeBaca
February 26, 2013
Karen, we are so sorry for your loss of Frank. You both did so much for the Willows youth and you were missed when you moved away. Take care and God Bless. Greg/Becky Wunsch, Council, ID
Becky Wunsch
February 25, 2013
So sorry for your loss. Know that Frank has touched many lives through his efforts to found Willows Youth Football. I know that I owe Frank a debt of gratitude for the legacy he left.
Eric Wunsch
February 25, 2013
Karen and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you, Frank was one hell of a guy,and will be missed very much, enjoyed working for him and listining to his storys, I will always cherish Boomtown,Theres nothing else like it,
Tim Gray
February 25, 2013
Karen and family my thoughts and prayers are with you, very sorry , Frank was one hell of a guy,always enjoyed working for him, and will always cherish Boomtown. He will be missed for sure'
Tim Gray, Kennewick Wash
February 25, 2013
Karen, I am so sorry to hear about Frank's illness and death. He will always be "Frankie" to me, though I had a long (grown-up) conversation with him when looking for classmates for our reunion. He was quite a guy, and I'm sorry not to have become better re-acquainted and sorry too not to have met you as a grown-up after all these years. I'd still like to visit some of his building projects.
I hope you are coping and surrounded by friends.
Willo ("Winky") (Henry) Oswald
February 25, 2013
Sorry to hear about the loss to you and your family. Mr. Hanson will be a big loss to his communitty and his grandson Tommy. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Kelly & Yvette Blankenship
February 24, 2013
Karen, Very sorry to hear the news about Frank, he was a great neighbor to have. I still enjoy showing others his Boomtown. He will be missed.
Laird Clow
February 24, 2013
Karen and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
You are in my prayers.
Margaret Chiechi (Ruth Connors Mother)
February 23, 2013
Karen, So many years ago I had the pleasure of meeting "Wolfman Jack" he and I hit it off as he referenced me as 'Vickie." Of course he always tried to put forward a tough exterior, but we saw right through that. Over the years we enjoyed kibitzing at every visit, and I looked forward when I would see him in the lobby. And then I finally met you, the woman behind the man! You and I soon became 'over the counter friends." Im so sorry for your loss, and just wanted to hug you. I will forever remember him and the fun we had. He trying to convince me how tough he was and me giggling at every word. If you ever need, you know where I work. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Kay "Vickie"
February 21, 2013
Karen, My heart just hurts for you, I know what you are going through and what you will be going through in the coming months and years. I will always be just a phone call away. Try to hang on to all the wonderful times you shared. It is comforting to know that the life you shared with Frank was good, happy and most of all interesting and adventurous, the memories will help get you through. I love both you and Frank, (one of the most interesting men I have ever known). Love Dolly Kraus-Hoisington
February 21, 2013
Karen-I so enjoyed working with Frank (while @ WAMU). We are sending loving thoughts your way!
Karen Wright
February 19, 2013
Karen-my thoughts are with you. I so enjoyed working with Frank (while @ WAMU). Sending loving thoughts your way. Karen Wright
February 19, 2013
Karen, so sorry to hear about Frank, he was always one of my favorite people.
Erin Creagan
February 19, 2013
Karen, so sorry to learn of your loss...
May you find comfort with your family and friends.
Frank and Anita Blehm
February 17, 2013
Sorry to hear of your loss . Wishing your family the very best .
Dell Barnes
February 17, 2013
Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more