| Published October 9th, 2024 | William Hansen | | | | 1948-2024 | Bill passed away on July 17, 2024 in Lafayette at the age of 76. He was born in Washington State to Robert and Mildred Hansen where he and Lyn, his younger sister, grew up. His family later moved to the Bay Area where graduated from San Carlos High School. Returning to the Northwest, he enrolled and graduated from Whitman College majoring in economics. Early in Bill's career he worked for Spectra-Physics (laser technology) in Mountain View. He was always amused how initially reluctant grocery stores were to replace cash registers with laser scanners! After earning an MBA, he joined Kaiser Permanente's Treasury Department in Oakland where he worked for 27 years.
Bill met his wife, Diane, while living in Palo Alto. After their two daughters were born, they moved to Moraga where he volunteered as Town Treasurer when it was a volunteer position. Bill was a kind man and devoted husband and father. He planned wonderful family trips to various parts of the world, often taking his family on the back, less traveled roads. As an avid learner and reader who favored non-fiction, Bill always had his nose in a book.
After retirement, Bill participated as a Muffin Person delivering donated groceries to food banks/service organizations in Oakland and was an active member of both the Moraga Lions Club and the Jaguar Club. He took college extension courses in literature, history and art at UC Berkeley and Stanford. Bill also enjoyed books, articles, and lectures on viticulture. Visiting wine growing regions in the United Stated and aboard was one of Bill's favorite pastimes.
Bill is survived by his wife, daughters Kristen and Madeleine, two son-in laws, two adorable grandsons, his sister, and nephew. A celebration of life will be held in October. Please contact his family for further information. Donations honoring Bill's memory may be sent to Lamorinda Adult Respite Center (LARC) or to the Alzheimer's Association. | | | | | | | | | | | | | |