Gregory Hansen

Gregory Lee Hansen

1950 - 2022

Gregory Lee Hansen, our father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away suddenly, Friday, February 4, 2022, at his home in Millcreek, Utah, from cardiovascular disease.

He was born May 22, 1950, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Charles M. Hansen and Louise Ostler Hansen. Greg, the middle son of three in the family, grew up in Midvale and later Sandy, Utah, where he learned to play the clarinet like his mother.  He also learned to play the piano and became quite proficient, playing in many recitals throughout his teenage years.

While in high school, Greg obtained a table-top baseball game called Strato-matic Baseball, that used dice and actual player profile cards to play full baseball games.  He and his older brother Reed spent many hours engaging in spirited competition with this game. He also spent time with his brothers playing a tabletop basketball game that used a ping pong ball and required manual dexterity. During high school, he played a part in the Glen Sacos production of Our Town. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1968 and enrolled in the University of Utah.  When he turned 19, he followed his faith and served a 2-year mission in London, England for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Returning from his mission, Greg enrolled again at the University of Utah where he first studied Architecture and then Urban Planning and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. During this time, he met Vicky Hicks and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple in the spring of 1976. They were blessed with two children, David and Krystal. Greg loved his family dearly and worked tirelessly to support them. Up until his death, he helped his children in any way that he could, always talking about them with love.

Dad and I had season tickets to the University of Utah basketball games. Before going to the games, we would stop and get a bite to eat at B and D Burgers. When I was a Senior in high school, I was working towards my eagle scout award. The last requirement was to do a service project. Dad helped coordinate how I could lead the scouts and gather reading magazines for the VA Hospital. When I was financially stressed and out of work during the 2008 recession, Dad was there to help me get back on my feet.

During his life, Greg worked long hours in production management for Beehive International which made computer terminals and related hardware. Later, at the Tooele Army Depot, he worked with other professionals in disposing of the country’s Nerve Gas stockpile.  Even while employed at these full-time plus jobs, Greg usually also had a part time job so he could provide for his family.

Throughout his life, Greg enjoyed a hobby of photography, taking professional-style photos whenever he could. He used many different types of film and developed some of the pictures himself. Greg loved watching Major League Baseball and following the fortunes of his favorite teams. He also visited many different MLB stadiums to see teams in person. I remember when he took Krystal and I to the Houston Astrodome to watch the Astros play. As he progressed through middle age, Greg studied computerized graphic arts at Salt Lake Community College and he developed many skills to make beautiful presentations.

Greg cared deeply for the well-being of his family. As his mother got older and couldn’t live alone anymore, he moved in to help take care of her daily needs. Later, when she moved to an assisted living facility, he visited her daily and they spent many precious moments together. During this time, Greg also helped his daughter, Krystal, with her health challenges, always going the extra mile to help her.

The last few years of Greg’s life had profound emotional challenges. First, his mother passed away after an extended illness. Then his wife, Vicky, passed away unexpectedly. Finally, his daughter, Krystal, passed away from complications following surgery. Greg never fully recovered from the extreme sadness that engulfed him after the loss of these loved ones.

He is survived by his son David Hansen (Cecilia); grandchildren Dakota and Rylee; brothers Reed (Kay) and Brad (Leisa). Preceded in death by his parents; wife Vicky; and daughter Krystal Hansen.

Please share a memory, or express sympathy on Gregory's Tribute Wall.