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1955
2021
JOEL (JOE) FREDERICK HANSEN
March 10, 1955 ˜ January 3, 2021
Joel (Joe) Frederick Hansen, a loving husband and a loyal friend to many, entered eternal life on Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, at the age of 65. He was taken far too soon from this world, but he leaves behind countless fond memories and a multitude of spirited stories that will live on, bringing enduring smiles and comfort to his friends and family.
In the words of Hunter S. Thompson: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ’Wow! What a Ride!’ ”
Joe lived his life exactly that way _ and it certainly was quite a ride. As anyone who called his voicemail knew, he heartily embraced his Swedish Viking heritage, so callers were treated to his gravelly voiced announcement: “This is ‘Ragnar,’ I’m out sailing the fjords ... Skol!”
Joe was practically born a Raiders fan, he unwaveringly embraced the team since early childhood. He could quote statistics, name long-ago players and recount specific details from key plays that dated back decades _ his passion was most evident if you even mentioned the so-called “Tuck Rule.”
He also loved poker and pursued it with both zeal and good humor. In his passing, friends commented not only on his skills as a player but the fun he brought to the table _ always playing to win but never taking himself or anyone else too seriously. In his younger days, his passions included Harley Davidsons and classic cars.
Joe was also an extraordinary salesman and quickly rose through the ranks at Time Warner to become a sales manager and a leader within the Seattle office. He also regularly demonstrated his marketing skills in the pursuit of success for the family business, which provided the freedom and flexibility that allowed Joe and his wife, Karen, to sell their home in Battle Ground, WA, and become full-time RVers _ traveling in an Airstream for a couple of years and then settling in Las Vegas where Joe continued to pursue his love of poker.
In his lifetime, Joe’s greatest strength was his passion for people. His friends are numerous, and he could always find time to provide advice, a kind word, or a laugh for those he held dear. I know, as his wife of nearly 25 years, he was my soulmate and my inseparable partner. Until we see each other again, my love, I take comfort in knowing that God has you in his arms and I will always have you in my heart.
Joe was born in Vancouver, WA, on March 10, 1955, to Carl “Bud” and Delores Hansen. He graduated in 1973 from Vancouver’s Evergreen High School and attended community college. He passed away at St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Las Vegas, NV.
After COVID-19 has been contained, likely fall 2021, a celebration of life is planned. Details will be available at a later date.
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
I love you Joe. Always have, always will. And knowing that we shared the same Faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ gives me a hope and a peace that will will meet again. Bless you Brother.
Patrick McManus
Friend
January 25, 2021
Joe always told me he loved me and called me brother. Every text and every call. We met At the poker table laughing and having beers. We enjoyed many poker tournaments over the years and I hope to be with him at the final big table in Heaven . I love you Brother will think of you allways. Your little buddy Wayne
January 19, 2021
God received a wonderful angel
Joe was such a nice man
I will always have a special place in my heart for him
Mary Hicks -Dearborn
Classmate
January 18, 2021
I remember the time Joe called me and said I’m at my parents house and I’m going to stop by your place on my way home keep an eye out for me...About
15 minutes later he pulled up in front of my house in his freshly painted camouflaged truck dressed in full camouflage with his face painted in camouflage of course...I was in the house looking out the window and he just sits there in his truck not moving at all...I walked outside to his truck opened the drivers door and he said “How did you know I was here?”
I love you Joe...
Dan Holland
Friend
January 17, 2021
I miss you already Big Brother! Much love to you Karen, and family.
Craig
Craig Hansen
Family
January 17, 2021
Joe was and always be my big brother. He will be missed by many. I still remember watching Portland Wrestling with him over 50 years ago and yukking it up over old WC Fields movies.
Larry
January 17, 2021
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