Norman F. Hansen, 86, a lifelong Baker County resident, died Aug. 5, 2009, at St. Elizabeth Health Services.
His memorial service will be at 10 am. Saturday at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 2177 First St. The Rev. Michael Chase will officiate. There will be no graveside service. Friends are invited to join the family for a potluck dinner at the home of Jim and Debbie DeMastus, 18963 W. Campbell Loop, after the service.
Norman was born at Baker City and raised on his parent’s ranch in Sumpter Valley. He attended school at McEwen. He stayed in the valley after graduation and his time in the Army and raised Hereford cattle. He worked on the Sumpter Dredge for about a year in 1950-51.
He moved to Baker City and went to work at California Pacific Utilities as a meter reader. He later became a journeyman meterman and retired from Oregon Trail Electric Co-op.
Norm was loved by everyone he met and was only topped in storytelling by his brother, George, or his best friend, Willie Dickison. He was a kind and gentle man who would do anything for anyone, his family said.
After retirement, he loved fishing, camping and woodworking. He loved his family and always put them first. He was a loving husband and the best dad and grandpa. He ran many miles behind his grandson, Charley, teaching him how to ride a bike. He will be missed by everyone who was privileged to have known him, family members said.
Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Hazel Hansen, and her children, Randy and Glenda Oglesbee; his daughter, Debbie DeMastus, her husband, Jim, and their children, Charley, Seth, Tabitha, Ross and Katy; two granddaughters, Desi and Ashley and their families; his sister-in-law, Reba Hansen; brother-in-law, Harvey Queen; and many other stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and loving old friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Laura Hansen; his brother, George; his sister, Martha Queen; his son, Kenny Cavin; and his stepson, Danny Oglesbee.
Family members expressed their appreciation to the staff at Settler’s Park Assisted Living for the excellent car Norm received for the last year and a half of his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Resident Fun Fund at Settler’s Park. Contributors are asked to make checks payable to the Settler’s Park Resident Fun Fund in care of Jodi Tool.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon August 12, 2009
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor