"Even though we move from here next June, I'll never really leave Wasatch Academy until the day I leave this world." – Roger Hansen
Roger Hansen, who was a beloved member of the WA community for 45 years, passed away peacefully on April 1, 2011 in Cedar City, Utah, at the age of 95.
Mr. Loftin, Head of School, recently addressed students in a personal tribute to Mr. Hansen’s important legacy at the school. “Roger Hansen was ‘Mr. Wasatch Academy’ for decades,” said Loftin. “He helped the school endure to this point right now. He led a great life and was a great man. He died in his sleep peacefully with a smile on his face. Just before his death, he uttered: ‘I’m happy, I’m happy.’ This is the sign of a man that lived a life extremely well and lived it for 95 years. He perfected his life. His leadership brought the school to where it is today.” Mr. Hansen touched the lives of everyone he encountered and will be dearly remembered. In memoriam:
Roger Hansen was born October 14, 1915 in Jamestown, North Dakota, to Harvey and Bessie (MacDonald) Hansen.
He graduated from the College of the Ozarks and received a Master’s Degree in Secondary School Administration at Stanford University. During World War II he served as an enlisted man in the Army as a Chaplain’s Assistant, receiving a Good Conduct Medal and The Bronze Service Star.
Roger Hansen was a cheerful, friendly, outgoing person with a wide circle of friends. His attitude toward people and life was summed up in the question he loved to ask, “What can I do to help?”
He met his beautiful wife, Katy, in music class where they were seated next to each other. He accompanied her on the piano for many years when she played her violin. He also accompanied her throughout their 70-year marriage as a devoted friend and husband.
A lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church, he served as an Elder and Trustee. When he and Katy were at Wasatch Academy in Mt. Pleasant, he taught band and English and later became Head of School.
He received the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the year Award, which read, “Mr. Hansen is a delightful, kind, humane neighbor, whose very presence within a group of community seems to lift the spirits of all those present.”
Roger and Katy retired in St. George where they were instrumental in starting the Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church. They settled in Cedar City, where they enjoyed country living and family reunions. He played piano for the children’s Sunday School and sang in the choir at the Community Presbyterian Church.
Roger and Katy moved to Emerald Point Assisted Living and Memory Care in Cedar City. Their lives flourished with the friends they made there and the loving care they received. He loved playing piano for his many friends there. Roger was always ready with a smile and a song.
Roger liked to write down his thoughts in a small notebook he kept in his pocket. After his wife Katy passed away, he wrote, “To Katy, I am deeply grateful for the 70 years we had together.” He also wrote, “My sincere desire is to be with Katy.” Now he is with her.
Roger is survived by his children, Robert (Cathy) Hansen; Carol (Bert) Stratton; grandchildren, Jennie (Bob) Pennington; Robin (Ray) DeWitt; and great grandchildren, Dylan Pennington, and Austin, Ashley, and Zach DeWitt. Preceding him in death are his loving wife Katy and his parents and brothers Ken, Hank, Don, and Tom Hansen.
Memorial services will be held at the Community Presbyterian Church, Cedar City, Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., the Reverend John Guthrie presiding. Arrangements have been entrusted to Swindlehurst Funeral Home in Cedar City. Online condolences may be sent to www.swindlehurstfuneralhome.com.
