John Hansen

John LeRoy Hansen of American Fork, UT passed away among loved ones in his home on November 19, 2016 after a long fight with Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's.
He was born in Salt Lake City, UT, on July 14, 1938 to Vivian Brown and Harry Eldon Hansen, the fifth of six children. The family soon moved to American Fork, UT, where he was raised.
John graduated from American Fork High School. He enjoyed camping and hunting with his dad, brothers and friends. He spent several summers as a sheepherder in American Fork Canyon. John moved to Logan after receiving a scholarship to play basketball and study at Utah State University.
He then worked to save up money to go on a mission. Once he had enough money he received a call to serve in the Central States Mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served three times as a stake missionary and loved teaching and sharing the gospel.
John served in the Air National Guard for 6 years. He attended Brigham Young University where he worked as the Intramural Director continuing his passion for athletics. Basketball, handball and racquetball were some of his favorite sports to play. He graduated with a Master's degree in Recreation Management from BYU in 1965.
While at school, John met the love of his life, Sandra Saari, of San Lorenzo, CA. They were married in 1970 and sealed in the Salt Lake City, UT Temple. John cherished Sandra with all his heart! Together they reared six boys. Basketball was a way of life for John and his family. They spent countless hours at practices, games and the local gym.
John was adventurous. He purchased a boat and took it to the Bearing Sea where he captained a commercial fishing rig. He then worked as a professor at BYU for 35 years teaching recreation management, risk management, outdoor survival, hiking and other outdoor and athletic courses. The students gave John rave reviews and he highly valued his time with them. He was also active in real estate investing and management for much of his life.
John had a deep love for hunting and the outdoors. He treasured the many lifelong friendships he made on the mountain. He was a professional guide and a hunter in Alaska, the Northwest Territories and British Columbia for 30 years. His record book collection includes Dall, Stone and Bighorn sheep, moose, caribou, grizzly bear, deer, elk and more. John loved to be in the mountains and could be found most days hiking a trail.
He loved working in the yard and creating work to keep his boys busy. He had a love for gardening and fruit trees. He was often out tilling on his tractor or irrigating acres of land. He firmly believed in hard work and exemplified this belief in his daily living by outworking his sons into his 60s.
Most of all, John loved God, the Eternal Father, and His Son Jesus Christ. He served in various callings throughout his life. He loved people and enjoyed serving in any capacity. He and Sandra served two full-time missions; one proselytizing in Sydney, Australia and a second in the Hong Kong Temple. John adored and was adored by the people and leaders in Sydney and Hong Kong.
John is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Owen and wife Norma and his brother David. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, his children Mike (Tonya) Hansen, Mark (Denae) Hansen, Linc (Jenn) Hansen, David (Chimka) Hansen, Shane (Carrie) Hansen, Jefferson (Erica) Hansen as well as 26 grandchildren. Sisters and Brothers: RoseAnn (Dale) Gunther, Edith (Loran) Bishop, Eldon (Betty (deceased)), Merrill (Sherry) and Marilyn Hansen (deceased).
Funeral services will be held Wednesday November 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. in the LDS chapel in American Fork, UT 396 North 1100 East. A viewing will be held at the Church on Tuesday, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM with a viewing Wednesday from 10:00 to 10:45 AM. Interment at American Fork Cemetery.