JERRY HANSON

1933 - 2011

Jerry Hanson, 77 of Kent, WA passed away peacefully on January 11, 2011 at the Benson Heights Care Center in Kent. He was born April 18, 1933 in Mount Vernon to Earl L. and Emma Marie (McKay) Hanson.

Jerry attended Mount Vernon schools and was a member of First Baptist Church. Growing up he was an active Scout, beginning with Cub Scouts and reaching the honors of Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow. He eventually served as Scout Executive.

While in school he swam, played football and played in the school band. He and some of his friends organized a German band for a talent show and the group won first place.

After high school Jerry attended Western Washington College for two years, and then he joined the U.S. Coast Guard. He was assigned to the Icebreaker Northwind for four years and travelled from the Arctic north of Alaska to the Antarctic, stopping at McMurdo Sound. Seattle was his home port. Jerry made friends in New Zealand and wrote letters often to friends and family to keep in contact.

He loved photography and took photos and movies of the sights he saw and the animals he saw, especially penguins.

After his discharge, he married Barbara Bowman and adopted her daughter, Cindy, and later Jennifer was also adopted.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his daughters, Cindy (and husband, Don) Hutchison and Jennifer Hanson; his sister, Janet (and husband, Vernon) Anderson; brother, James D. (and wife, Barbara) Hanson; three grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and his aunt, Lois Drake.

A graveside service, with military honors, will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Mount Vernon Cemetery with Reverend Ron Deegan, officiating.

Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home.