Merrill Robert Hansen's Obituary
Merrill Robert Hansen (66) died November 23, 2018, in Saratoga Springs, Utah, after battling pancreatic cancer for the past 13 months. Never once did he complain about his situation and the pain he was suffering. He was always very positive and was prepared to move on to the other side. Merrill had a very special relationship with our father and we are certain that Dad was there to meet him for a joyous reunion.
Merrill was born September 5, 1952, in Covina, California, the 4th son of William and Ellen Nichols Hansen, moved to Bakersfield, California in 1966, and graduated from West High School in 1970. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Indiana, Indianapolis mission. He lived his life in Covina, Bakersfield, San Diego, and Utah.
In his work as an Insurance Inspector, he traveled extensively throughout the Western U.S., driving hundreds of thousands of miles, camping along the way. He loved his travels and could tell you something about every little town in every state he visited. He had a phenomenal memory for people, places, and events.
Merrill was a great brother and friend. He was a talented artist and writer and had a keen sense of humor. Merrill was profoundly sensitive and that sensitivity was manifested in his artistic talents. This talent was mostly self-taught, as he would study other artists’ methods and incorporate them into his own work. When Merrill wanted to accomplish something, be it a painting, cartoon, or writing his book, he would devote himself to the effort until he felt he’d given his best. He was a truth seeker and totally honest. He will be sorely missed.
He had an abiding faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, never wavering in that belief. Over the past year, he felt particularly grateful for the enabling and healing power of Jesus Christ’s Atonement.
Merrill is preceded in death by his father and nieces Maren Hansen and Alice Hansen. He is survived by his mother, brothers Gary (Susan), Russell (Tawnya), Dennis (Sharma), and sisters Drusilla (Buck) Willhite and Leslie (David) Smoot, and many, many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 29, 2018, in the Lindon 3rd Ward building, 320 West 500 North, Lindon, Utah. Friends may visit at the church from 9:00 -10:30 that morning.
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