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Michael Keith Hanson, age 78, passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2018 in McMinnville, Oregon in the comfort of family by his side. He was born April 5, 1940 at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon to parents Milton Byron Hanson and Lilian Frances (West) Hanson. 

Mike grew up on the Oregon Coast graduating from Newport High School in 1958. After high school, he entered the Delta Upsilon fraternity at Oregon State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in General Science in 1962. In his freshman year at OSU, he met the woman whom would become his loving wife of 56 years, Leora Gwen (Connarn) Hanson. 

After college, Mike was a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy doing tours on the USS Piccaway and the USS Gurke. In 1966, after his honorable discharge from naval service, he began his 32 year career at Hyster Company working in Portland, Oregon; Danville, Illinois; and Fremont, California until his retirement in 1998.

Mike was a man of deep faith. He was an avid golfer, frequent traveler, lover of ballroom dancing, and greatly enjoyed family time in the outdoors including camping, sailing, and skiing. 

Mike is survived by his wife Lori Hanson; sons Michael Todd and Eric Brent Hanson; granddaughters Natalie Ryan, Reilly Erin, and Kelsey Catherine Hanson; brother Larry Milton Hanson; and niece Suzanne Marie Hanson.

A memorial was held in celebration of Mike's life on Sunday, September 23rd at First Presbyterian Church in McMinnville, Oregon.

In memory of Mike, donations to the Cancer Research Institute (www.cancerresearch.org) or First Presbyterian Church in memory of Michael Hanson are encouraged.


April 5, 2020
April 5, 2020
Happy Birthday Dad! 

I cherish the birthday weekends we shared together with mine falling on the 2nd of April.  Remembering trips to Farrell's in Portland when we would all pig out on ice cream as a family :)  Hope you are at peace buddy - we miss you!
September 23, 2018
September 23, 2018
I met Lori Hanson though Danville Christian Women’s Club, and Mike when we’d go to Praise Gathering and other Christian concerts. It was obvious to the most casual observer the “true Love” Mike and Lori had for each other! It was always a joy to be around them! Mike and Lori taught me a lot about being a “true friend”, because that’s the only kind of friend they knew how to be! 
Most visits ended up with us laughing, singing, and/or drinking wine and eating!  Even when life was a struggle for Lori, Mike worked out how to overcome any obstacles for them! Their Love gave them both the strength and courage to handle whatever life brought them to because they knew God was always with them to carry them through it!
Mike put up with a lot from us, “Lori’s Crazy Girlfriends”, as he’d call us! He let us kidnap Lori for lunches or “meetings”, always calling Lori to find out if we were ever coming home! After a while, Mike just went with us when he could! Could it have been Mike didn’t completely trust us with the love of his life?!?  And there were no better listeners than Mike and Lori when life wasn’t treating you so kindly or just needed to talk!
Lori and Mike adored their family!! I sometimes felt I actually knew many of them after hearing so many great stories about their sons, granddaughters, and siblings! 
Mike had an amazingly beautiful voice he loved to share at church, and car concerts along with the radio and us “Lori’s Crazy Girlfriends”! And Mike was a great cook!! Too bad if you never tasted any of his “experiments”!  It was so special and reassuring when they both “completely approved” of me marrying Tom Stone, and gave us their blessing and support!
May all our cherished memories with Mike and Lori bring Comfort, Strength, and Peace at Mike’s passing, for Lori, their family, and us all!
September 22, 2018
September 22, 2018
MY DEEPEST REGARDS TO LORI AND FAMILY. WHAT A PLEASURE IT WAS TO HAVE WORKED WITH MIKE FOR SO MANY YEARS AT HYSTER COMPANY. MIKE MADE SO MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SUCCESS OF THE COMPANY THEY ARE TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION. HOWEVER HIS CREATIVITY IN SALES INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, PRODUCT LAUNCHES, AND FINANCIAL MERCHANDISING WERE AMAZING. HE AND LORI HOSTED MANY TRIPS FOR DEALERS AND HYSTER PERSONNEL. THIS WAS ONLY SURPASSED BY HIS DEVOTION TO HIS FAMILY. I LOST MY LIFE PARTNER IN OCTOBER 2017 SO MY PERSONNEL THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH LORI AND THE FAMILY. FRANK SCHAFER, PRESIDENT HYSTER COMPANY RETIRED. OH HE WAS A GOOD GOLFER TOO.
September 21, 2018
September 21, 2018
I was blessed to have Mike in my life for many years. Not only was he the father-in-law that every girl would want, he was also a wonderful grandfather to Natalie, Reilly and Kelsey. I will always remember Mike for the true gentle soul that he was but also for how devoted he was to Lori. My deepest condolences to all. With love, Jennifer.
August 31, 2018
August 31, 2018
Our family spent some wonderful times with Mike and Lori, visiting each other’s homes and traveling. Always enjoyed Mike’s delightful sense of humor and his zest for life.
We will miss him. Daughn & Alan Connarn
August 30, 2018
August 30, 2018
My deepest sympathy to all of Mik's family. We shared our high school years at N.H.S. Graduating in 1958. Mike and Lori were faithful attendees at our every five years class reunions where we caught up on on our lives and adventures and have had so much fun reminiscing about our fun as teens in the 50s. He was one of our best and will be sorely missed. With love, Hazel Cathers Moss

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Recent Tributes
April 5, 2020
April 5, 2020
Happy Birthday Dad! 

I cherish the birthday weekends we shared together with mine falling on the 2nd of April.  Remembering trips to Farrell's in Portland when we would all pig out on ice cream as a family :)  Hope you are at peace buddy - we miss you!
September 23, 2018
September 23, 2018
I met Lori Hanson though Danville Christian Women’s Club, and Mike when we’d go to Praise Gathering and other Christian concerts. It was obvious to the most casual observer the “true Love” Mike and Lori had for each other! It was always a joy to be around them! Mike and Lori taught me a lot about being a “true friend”, because that’s the only kind of friend they knew how to be! 
Most visits ended up with us laughing, singing, and/or drinking wine and eating!  Even when life was a struggle for Lori, Mike worked out how to overcome any obstacles for them! Their Love gave them both the strength and courage to handle whatever life brought them to because they knew God was always with them to carry them through it!
Mike put up with a lot from us, “Lori’s Crazy Girlfriends”, as he’d call us! He let us kidnap Lori for lunches or “meetings”, always calling Lori to find out if we were ever coming home! After a while, Mike just went with us when he could! Could it have been Mike didn’t completely trust us with the love of his life?!?  And there were no better listeners than Mike and Lori when life wasn’t treating you so kindly or just needed to talk!
Lori and Mike adored their family!! I sometimes felt I actually knew many of them after hearing so many great stories about their sons, granddaughters, and siblings! 
Mike had an amazingly beautiful voice he loved to share at church, and car concerts along with the radio and us “Lori’s Crazy Girlfriends”! And Mike was a great cook!! Too bad if you never tasted any of his “experiments”!  It was so special and reassuring when they both “completely approved” of me marrying Tom Stone, and gave us their blessing and support!
May all our cherished memories with Mike and Lori bring Comfort, Strength, and Peace at Mike’s passing, for Lori, their family, and us all!
September 22, 2018
September 22, 2018
MY DEEPEST REGARDS TO LORI AND FAMILY. WHAT A PLEASURE IT WAS TO HAVE WORKED WITH MIKE FOR SO MANY YEARS AT HYSTER COMPANY. MIKE MADE SO MANY CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SUCCESS OF THE COMPANY THEY ARE TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION. HOWEVER HIS CREATIVITY IN SALES INCENTIVE PROGRAMS, PRODUCT LAUNCHES, AND FINANCIAL MERCHANDISING WERE AMAZING. HE AND LORI HOSTED MANY TRIPS FOR DEALERS AND HYSTER PERSONNEL. THIS WAS ONLY SURPASSED BY HIS DEVOTION TO HIS FAMILY. I LOST MY LIFE PARTNER IN OCTOBER 2017 SO MY PERSONNEL THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH LORI AND THE FAMILY. FRANK SCHAFER, PRESIDENT HYSTER COMPANY RETIRED. OH HE WAS A GOOD GOLFER TOO.
Recent stories

Story from Lorraine Mendosa

September 24, 2018

The following is Lorraine's story that she planned to share at the memorial service.

For those of you won't know, I got the opportunity to know Mike on our outings this past year at Brookdale. He had a deep love for his family and friends. not once did he complain about the curve life had thrown him.

On our drives, he would tell me stories about he and his brother getting into some kind of trouble, he and Lori attending OSU in their VW Bug, and watching their boys group up to be fine handsome men. Oh' and let's not forget the golf stories!

When I would pick Mike up, he would always be wearing something Beaver. I think he did that to get a rise out of me. I did ask him once, "I bet they had to pay you to wear that," being a Duck fan. He would laugh and say, "No."

He admired his surroundings, whether it be the flowers in the yards, kids on the playground, or the view of the city from the Portland Aerial Tram. He made sure to say "Hi" to everyone with that smile.

Seeing the pictures at the Hillside 35th Anniversary celebration of all the past activities to current, I saw that Mike liked to and and have a good time. He also wanted to make sure no one missed out, so he even pushed his friend Cal around in his wheelchair to dance with another resident.

Mike was one of a kind that we all got know and love. I learned from him that every day the sun does shine somewhere. It's our job to find it.

Thank you, Mike.


Eulogy

September 24, 2018

Mike was born in Portland, but it’s the Oregon Coast that always had his heart. Throughout his life, he shared many stories about Newport and growing up in the Nye Beach area with his brother, Larry. He loved to run on that beach, get out on the water, and to simply inhale the coastal air. He also often shared fond memories of working in his father’s grocery store near Yaquina Bay and of the many regular customers that passed through. Mike loved his time on the coast.

After graduating from Newport High School with honors in 1958, Mike went off to Oregon State University to pursue his degree. He joined the Delta Upsilon fraternity and loved the many events they had with the Sigma Kappa sorority. He would sit at the piano in that sorority house serenading the girls to the tune of “Unchained Melody.” And it was there that he met the love of his life, Lori. They dated throughout college and married just after graduating in June 1962.

Mike entered the US Navy as an Ensign, becoming a Full Lieutenant before his honorable discharge in 1966. His time with the Navy found Mike and Lori stationed both in San Francisco, where he was assigned to the USS Piccaway, and San Diego, where he joined the crew of the USS Gurke. It was during their time in San Diego that they welcomed their first son, Michael Todd, into the world.

After the Navy, this young family of three moved back to Portland where they soon welcomed their second son, Eric Brent. It is here that Mike began what would become a 32 year career with Hyster Company—first in New Product Planning and ultimately as Sales Director for North America. It was a career that caused the family to move many times between Oregon, Illinois, and California. In all that relocation came an opportunity to seek adventures with the family across the country—camping, fishing, hiking, skiing, and sailing. Mike loved the time with his family.

And Mike loved the 56 years together with Lori—ballroom dancing, cruising the ocean, and traveling the world. Mike loved God, his church, and singing in the choir. And he certainly loved his golf! But perhaps most of all, Mike loved to make people laugh and loved to see them smile. 

We remember him for all of this today. He will be forever missed, but never forgotten.

Family Sharing: Eric

September 24, 2018

Following is the story I shared at the memorial on Sunday, September 23rd:

I vividly remember a specific moment with Dad. He stopped me one evening when I was passing through the living room and asked me to sit down. I knew the tone in his voice and I knew the look on his face all too well. One could always tell when the conversations were going to turn serious with Dad. He had this directness in his tone, choosing his words precisely. The pregnant pauses between words would become very pronounced, leaving you hanging in a moment of silence waiting for what was coming next. You wouldn’t dare interrupt that silence. And then there was his face. More specifically his eyes. Dad wouldn’t blink when he was getting serious. Rather, he would sharpen his gaze on you and right before unveiling the details of the conversation he had pulled you into, he would roll his eyes back into his head. It was seeing the whites of eyes that always served as a clear signal. I’d better listen.

“Son, you need to stop messing around. It’s time for you to get serious and decide what you are going to do with your life.”

That’s the gist of the lecture I received that night. Perfectly appropriate for any father to say to their child. Especially in the case of that child being in their mid twenties, jobless, and still living at home. However, I already had a job. And… I was only 15.

I’ve thought about that specific lecture a lot through my life. And I’ve thought about it even more in these few weeks since Dad’s passing. What did he really mean by it?

This became clear when I recently came across the words of Dad’s speech to his high school graduating class back in 1958. He was only 18 at the time, but he spoke to his class about the importance of contributing to the betterment of society, the importance of delivering on the unique responsibilities that we are all born with, and the importance of creating a strong family. Looking back, I can see that he committed to his arc in life when he was at a similar age as I was when I received that lecture. 

In that speech he said, “In life as we know it today, family life constitutes our society, and community. In a family we understand friendship, cooperation, and sharing.”

Dad loved his family and always sought out new adventures to bring us together. Some of those things came fairly natural to him like loading us all into the wagon or truck and trekking out on a long drive across some corner of the country. Some of those things he was never particularly skilled at, like skiing, but he never tired of trying. He did it for us. He wanted his children to have the best possible experience growing up. Through it, he wanted his family to be strong, together. He was always very responsible to his family.

He also said, “Everyone in this world has some mission beyond [themselves] to perform. When we were brought into this world we were given certain talents and capabilities. The way we use these talents and capabilities is our mission beyond ourselves.”

I don’t think Dad ever really understood my creative impulses or my “take it as it comes” approach to life. Nor did he ever understand the details of my career. But he wanted to know all he could about me. He wanted to support me in whatever way he could. And he wanted to be certain that I was maximizing my potential, making a positive contribution of my own to society. He saw this as his responsibility as a father.

I thank you, Dad, for the many life lessons you taught me. For all the fun times we shared together. For all that you did for Mom over the past 56 years. And for giving me the support and space to find my own path. I will miss you tremendously, but I will never lose the many lessons that you taught me and the deep sense of responsibility to my community that you instilled in me.

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