May 14th, 1952 – January 1st, 2019
Stephen was born on May 14, 1952 in Boston, Massachusetts. He was the second child to Ms. Mary Sherry and Mr. Ellis Hanson. He grew up with older sister, Sherry Hanson, as well his younger siblings, brother, David Hanson, and sister, Kathy Hanson.
Stephen grew up in Rockport, Massachusetts. He went on to continue his education after high school. In college, he was successful in earning his Bachelor’s Degree. Still, he wanted more and decided to travel.
In December 1978, Stephen drove across the country to the furthest coastline from his home town and landed here in Forks, Washington. He didn’t know it then, but this is where he would soon meet the woman who would be his friend, truest love, and life-long partner. In June 1978, at the age of 26, Stephen met the 18-year-old Carol Finley. He was a patron and she a waitress at Forks Pay N’ Save Coffee Shop. Their lives were forever changed from that point forward. It was then that he knew his purpose in life. It was to love this woman.
Stephen and Carol married on May 7, 1980. By 1981 they greeted their first child, daughter, Sarah Hanson. They quickly added to their family in 1982 with the birth of their first son, Samuel Hanson.
You see, Stephen loved Carol so much that he couldn’t bear not having children with her. He wanted babies, family, and love above all else.
In 1984 they welcomed their third child and second son, Jason Hanson.
In 1986 came their fourth and youngest child and third son, Jacob Hanson. Their not-so-little family was complete.
In 1989 the Hanson family moved to set roots back in Forks, Washington after spending 8 years in the Seattle area. This was the place to raise his family.
In the same year he took a job at Forks Thriftway working night freight. He continued to work this job for the next 9 years until the opportunity became available to change responsibilities and move into a daytime schedule. Stephen continued to work at Thriftway for the remainder of his career until 2012.
In December of 2013, Stephen was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Every odd was against him with this diagnosis.
Stephen continued for the next 5 years overcoming every obstacle imaginable in his fight against cancer. He surprised every doctor and specialist at just how strong, determined, and resilient he was, and how healthy he continued to be for so long.
On Tuesday, January 1, 2019, Stephen drew his last breath and passed peacefully at 11:04 a.m. He was surrounded by his family and by an incredible amount of love and compassion during this time.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations be made to Stephen Hanson’s Garden at the Rusty Gate Nursery so that his garden may continue to bloom in memory of him.
There will be a Time of Remembrance planned for Saturday, February 9, 2019, at the Rainforest Arts Center at 1 p.m.
The Hanson family would like to thank each and every community member here in the town of Forks for every bit of support and compassion that has been shown over the many years of Stephen’s battle with cancer. There was never a need unmet. Special thanks to Forks Outfitters, Forks True Value, Rusty Gate Nursery, All Around Lawn Care, Jerry’s, Forks U.S. Postal Service, Jennifer Zaccardo, Forks Community Hospital, Bogachiel Clinic, Forks Ambulance, and Chinook Pharmacy. Without your goods and services, Stephen’s last 5 years would not have been so incredible. Thank you.
