Ronald Gordon Hansen's Obituary
Ronald Gordon Hansen, 90, of Provo, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2014. He was born to Vesta Merle Bull and Leo Hansen in Gisbourne, New Zealand on May 23, 1924. He immigrated to Provo, Utah with his parents and his younger brother, Lester, when he was 6 years old. He graduated from Lincoln High School, Orem; received BA degree from Utah State Agricultural College, MA and PhD degrees from Ohio State University. A Veteran of World War II, he was awarded 13 medals for combat and service flying 32 dangerous missions over Germany with the 8th Air Force in B-17 bombers. He worked in the USAF Aerospace Medical Lab publishing 53 scientific papers, standardizing hearing protection for the military and was on the team that selected the first seven astronauts. He retired as a Lt Col from the United States Air Force. After his military career, he worked 8 years at Southern Illinois University and became the Vice President of Research & Development. He then moved his family back to Provo where he was the founding President and CEO of Eyring Research Institute, a position he held until his retirement. Ron was active in community service organizations including Provo Kiwanis, United Way, Red Cross, Chamber of Commerce, Governor's committees for Industrial Development, and Provo Development Boards. Ron was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and had a strong testimony of the gospel. His many years of service included home teacher, seminary teacher, member of 3 Bishoprics, 3 High Councils and President of the Southern Illinois District. He was an Eagle Scout. Ron married Inez Merrel Carter on February 20, 1945 and they had 8 children: Sandra (Kenneth) Wamsley, Ronald, Julie (Mark) Kruitmoes, Karen Bancroft, Hettie Ann (Jim) Scott, Melinda (Gregg) Scott, Melanie (Chris) Evans, and Pamela (John) Mansfield. Merrel passed away on August 27, 1991. Ron married Bliss Jarvis Brimley on June 26, 1992 who passed away March 1, 2014. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, brother Lester, infant brother, infant sister and daughter Julie. He is survived by 7 children, one step daughter, Judy (Gary) Ridge, two younger sisters, Irene Hansen Baldwin, Anita Hansen Farmer, both of Mt. Pleasant, Utah, nieces, nephews, many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2014, at the Grandview 9th Ward Chapel, 1555 North 1350 West, Provo from 9:30 am to 10:30 am, and the funeral will follow at 11 am. He will be buried at the Eastlawn Memorial Cemetery in Provo.
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