Obituary of George Charles Hanson

George Charles Hanson, 71, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, August 5, at home in Auburn with loving family at his side. Born June 19, 1941, in Seattle, he was raised on Seola Beach in West Seattle, was a longtime resident of Kent and has lived in Auburn for the past 8 years. He died of complications from diabetes, a disease he struggled with for many years. The firstborn son of Fred C. and Muriel Hanson, George is survived by his wife, Erma; sons Benjamin and David (Maris); daughter Katherine Senzee (Nick); daughter-in-law Shannon Hanson; and five grandchildren, Mariah, Nathan, Jacob, Laura and Andrew. His loving brothers, John and Fred, and sister, Wynne Morrill, were especially supportive of their brother as he struggled with his health issues the past three years. He is also survived by Eunice Butler, his mother-in-law who was his faithful at-home caregiver. Those who knew George will remember him as a gentle, loving man. He graduated from O’Dea High School in Seattle and attended Seattle University. He was employed at the Seattle School District where he maintained office equipment and then struck out on his own, opening Independent Machine Maintenance in 1980. When computers changed the face of that industry he switched to printing and was able to support his family with Copy Cats, a small retail printing and copying business in Milton/Edgewood. Like many small business operators, George struggled to make ends meet, but in all things important he was a highly successful man. George and his wife Erma joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1979, a decision that continually blessed their lives. As one who could be described as “the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13), he served valiantly in his Church, touching the lives of many for good. He served as a scoutmaster in the Boy Scouts of America and spent hours and hours supporting his wife in her volunteer efforts at church and with the PTA. An avid (and always hopeful) Mariners fan, George loved hunting, fishing, riding his motorcycle in the woods and camping with friends and family. We shall always be grateful that he remained lucid to the end and never lost his incredible sense of humor. A memorial service will be held at the North Auburn chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 625 M St N.E., Auburn, WA 98002 on Thursday, August 9th, at 11:00 am. Graveside services for close family and friends will follow immediately at Hillcrest Burial Park in Kent. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are urged to support Treehouse for foster children, Northwest Harvest or Providence Hospice of Seattle.