LCDR Ronald Dennis Hanson USN Retired

Ronald Dennis Hanson was born April 30, 1931, to Hjalmer Hanson and Norma in Rolette, North Dakota.

He was raised from the time he was a baby by his Aunt Selma Vrem and his grandfather Nels Vrem in Rolette.  When he turned 7-years old they moved to Los Angeles, California. He remained in Los Angeles with his aunt and grandfather until the age of 15. He then returned to Rolette, North Dakota where he lived with his Aunt Alice and Uncle Earl Vrem.

At the age of 17 he enlisted in the Navy, retiring after 22 years.  He was a "Mustang" which means moving through the ranks to become an officer. In 1951, he married Kathryn Schrall, and they had eight beautiful children;  Sue, Ronalee, Marjorie, David, Erin, Sara, Jeff, and Tom.  While he was in the Navy he served in the Vietnam war, aboard ship and in country where he was a commander in charge of the fast attack gun boats also known as swift boats. While in the Navy he served aboard, the Oak Hill, San Marcos, Fort Snelling, 2 aircraft carriers the America and the Enterprise, traveling around the world six times. His last duty station was in San Diego as an instructor for deep sea diving and welding school. The motto: "If you fail you sail". He retired July 1, 1970.

After retirement he moved to Corvallis, Oregon and went to work for The State of Oregon, Department of Fish and Wildlife, working for 21 years until he retired in 1991 as a supervisor of the Screen Shop in Corvallis.

In 1977 he met Mary McWhirter, and they were married July 14, 1979.  The couple moved to Monmouth, Oregon. They enjoyed traveling and backpacked Europe twice. They took land tours and many cruises seeing over 100 different countries including Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Yemen as well as many other countries in Europe.  A highlight of their travels was a cruise on a real sailing ship seeing Oman, Jordan, Petra and many other places. In 2020 they visited Antarctica.

Ron's many interests other than travel, included woodworking, welding, working on the farm and spending time with his family.   Ron & Mary moved from Monmouth to Lacomb, to a small farm, where he enjoyed country life keeping himself busy with chores.

Ron  is survived by his wife Mary, children; Sue (Jim), Marjorie , David  (Melody), Erin (Greg), Sara (Matt), Jeffrey (Dawn), and Tom; Mary's kids Vickie, Dennis (Connie), Tammy (Oscar); and  numerous grandchildren and great grand Children.

His was preceded in death by his parents; aunt; grandfather; daughter Ronalee; grandson Grant; and  brother John..

He was a friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.  He will be missed! In Lieu of flowers, we ask that you make a donation in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project as it was near and dear to his heart.

A funeral will be at 10:30 am on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at Hope Church, 2817 Santiam Hwy SE, Albany, OR 97322; followed by a reception.  Graveside service will be at 2 pm at the Dallas Cemetery in Dallas, Oregon.