William J. "Bill" Hansen

William J. "Bill" Hansen obituary

William J. "Bill" Hansen

William Hansen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 9, 2011.
Hansen, William J. "Bill" Age 56 passed away unexpectedly September 19, 2011 peacefully in his sleep in San Francisco CA. He was preceded in death by parents, Donna and Bill. Survived by sister, Vicki; long time friend, Vishu Lingappa; significant other, Amanda Macieik; and Hunter (Basset Hound). Bill was born in Minneapolis, MN. He graduated from Minneapolis Roosevelt High School in 1973. He lettered in track, was the Sports Editor for the School Newspaper and a member of the National Honor Society. His classmates remember his competitive, yet generous spirit and his quick wit. He then attended St Olaf College in Northfield Mn. In 1979 Bill moved to California and attended UC Berkeley for graduate school and received his Ph.D. degree with the renowned yeast geneticist Randy Schekman as his Ph.D. adviser. He then did a post-doctoral fellowship with Peter Walter, a leading biochemist at UCSF where Bill pioneered one of the first yeast cell-free translation and translocation systems. Bill then joined the laboratory of William Welch at San Francisco General Hospital where he was involved in a wide range of noteworthy molecular chaperone studies for the better part of a decade. In 2003 he joined Prosetta Bioconformatics, where he served as a senior scientist until his death. At Prosetta, Bill was able to demonstrate his unique mastery of chemistry, genetics, biochemistry and cell biology, making major contributions to their antiviral and other drug development programs that will serve as a lasting legacy of his uniquely creative and ingenious mind. Bill had a love for music (6 guitars and a huge CD collection). His favorite recording artist was Eric Clapton. He also enjoyed collecting baseball and football cards. He had thousands of cards in his collection. He always remained a Minnesota Twins fan. My brother Billy will be deeply missed and NEVER forgotten.

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January 16, 2025

Daryl Eggers posted to the memorial.

October 3, 2024

JUDY STAFNE posted to the memorial.

October 3, 2024

JUDY MAE STAFNE posted to the memorial.

Daryl Eggers

January 16, 2025

Bill was my research mentor at UCSF from about 1994-97 (Welch Laboratory). He taught me everything I know about cell biology and how to be thorough, exact scientist. I went on to a productive postdoc at UCLA and a faculty position at San Jose State University (Chemistry Dept). Much of my success was grounded in Bill's mentorship. Thanks also to Vishu Lingappa for suggesting the Welch Lab when my initial thesis project was not approved!
-Daryl Eggers

JUDY STAFNE

October 3, 2024

ALWAYS THANKFULL FOR MEMORIES

JUDY MAE STAFNE

October 3, 2024

ALWAYS THANKFUL FOR MEMORIES

JUDY MAE STAFNE

October 3, 2022

I NEVER MET HIM BUT ATTENDED THE SERVICE THAT HIS SISTER HAD FOR HIM IN MN. BLESS HIM FOR ALL THE CELL STUDIES THAT HE DID.

October 6, 2012

Vicki and Amanda,

I was very saddened to learn of Bill's untimely death. We were close friends in while we were in graduate school at Berkeley, and remained friends while we were postdocs at UCSF. I hadn't heard from Bill in a few years, so looked him up on the internet recently and found this obituary. Somewhere in my belongings I think I have some pictures of Bill and other friends from Berkeley. If you are interested in having copies, please drop me an email and I will look for them. cstewart(at)albany.edu

With deepest sympathy for your loss,
Beth Stewart

Ron Norgren

August 13, 2012

It is always sad to hear of a fellow classmate passing. I went to high school with Bill. I remember seeing him at one of the reunions. Bill will be missed not only through the friends and classmates but in the professional world as well. May God Bless him and family in this time of need.

Matvey

May 23, 2012

I had the pleasure of meeting Bill when he and I were postdocs at SFGH. Bill was an excellent scientist, bright, driven, exceedingly hard-working, and always willing to help and share his knowledge and insight. He had a kind heart and was a great person to be around. Rest in peace, Bill. You will be remembered.

November 4, 2011

I HAD THE PRIVILEGE TO MEET BILLY SOME YEARS AGO WHILE VACATIONING IN S.F. WITH MY BEST FRIEND VICKI AND DEEPLY FEEL VICKI'S LOSS. THEY ARE SO SIMILAR IT'S AMAZING. BILLY WAS ALOT OF FUN!

MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU VICKI, SCOTT!

Iting Jaing

October 20, 2011

I had the privilege and honor to work under Bill's supervision when I first joined Prosetta 5 years ago. He was an amazing scientist and undoubtedly one of the most talented people I have known. He had also a big heart, always looking out for everyone, and ready to listen/enlighten someone with his optimism, warmth, and genuine delight and passion of his new findings.
Vicki, Bill will be fondly remembered.
Rest in eternal peace, Bill.

Jean

October 14, 2011

It has been a great honor and pleasure to have known and worked with Bill for the past 6+ years.His passing has left a large void at Prosetta. Bill's supportive, humorous and brilliant nature will always be remembered and greatly missed.

BF

October 14, 2011

My condolences to the family. Bill taught me new and creative ways to apply knowledge from one scientific discipline to another. He might quite an impact in the lab. May he rest in peace.

October 13, 2011

Vicki, we send our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.

Phil and Joanne

Colm Kelleher

October 12, 2011

Bill was a truly unique, one of a kind scientist. The most brilliant I have met to date. It was a privilege to work with him, and to learn from his rigor, for four years.

Greg Edwards

October 12, 2011

Vicki - So sorry to here of Bill's passing. He left such wonderful memories with the many lives he touched. I will never forget the grin after a witty reply.

October 12, 2011

Dear Vicki,
I am so glad that we were able to talk and share our stories about Bill. Bill often made me laugh. He made those around him strive to keep up with his wit and intellect. I always thought I would see him again. I am extremely proud to know you and Bill, and to have been a part of his life. Love, Annette Hallberg

Jim Fisher

October 12, 2011

Vicki,
I am so sorry to hear about your brother passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time. I hope the special times you had together will come to mind.

October 12, 2011

Vicki,
I was so very sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. I know he had and always will have a special place in your heart.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Gary

Nancy (Johnson) Hanneman

October 11, 2011

I have fond memories of Bill from our Nokomis and Roosevelt days. He had such a wit! What a brilliant man. I am so sorry for the loss of your brother, and wish you peace and comfort in the days and years ahead.

Emma

October 11, 2011

Vicki,
I wish you and your family peace as you grieve the significant loss of Bill. His presence will be missed in the lab but his influence will be continually felt by those who were honored to work with him.

Sean

October 11, 2011

Vicki,

Like the others here who worked with Bill, I would like to say that he was a brilliant scientist, a caring soul, and a great friend. He taught me a lot about Biology/Chemistry and a whole lot more about the Blues (Sonny Landreth especially) He will be missed by me and many others. I wish you and your family my sincerest condolences. May he rest in eternal peace.

Andy

October 11, 2011

Vicki
I very much second what Ken said about Bill. My bench is on the opposite side of Bill's bench.I still feel as if Bill is still around,he is a brilliant scientist well versed in both biochemistry and chemistry. I am privileged to have worked with Bill.May his soul rest in perfect peace.

Julie Wendler

October 11, 2011

So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was so bright and always in search of a new idea. Remembering him from the days at Wenonah grade school on through high school.

Ian Brown

October 11, 2011

Vicki,
Bill was a mentor of mine who will be greatly missed and never for gotten. When I started at Prosetta he took me under his wing and taught me a more than I thought possible. After working with him for over five years I can say without a doubt that he was a modern day genius. I believe the world has and will continue to benefit from his amazing intellect. I feel fortunate and honored to have been given the opportunity to learn and get to know him over the years. My sincerest condolence to you and your family.
Bill will always be remembered as a great man and will be missed.

Amanda Macieik

October 11, 2011

I will always love him. He was a fun sweet man.

Ken

October 11, 2011

My heartfelt condolences to you Vicki. Bill was one of my favorite people in the lab. He will be missed immensely not only for his intellect but for his humor and support.
Not a day has gone by without someone mentioning Bill's name at work. I still expect to hear his voice on the other side of the bench - every morning.
Rest in peace, Bill.

-Ken (co-worker)

Vinod Asundi

October 11, 2011

I consider myself very honored and privileged to have someone like Bill come into my life. He was, by far, one of the smartest people I have known.
However, while Bill will be sorely missed, to paraphrase a verse from the Bhagavad Gita (2:20)

"Consciousness is eternal it is not vanquished with the destruction of the temporary body."

R.I.P. Bill.

October 11, 2011

Vicki,

As I often said, Bill was a national scientific treasure. We were blessed to have his brilliance illuminate our path for many years. He is sorely missed and will be forever fondly remembered.

Vishu

rhonna peterson

October 11, 2011

Vicky, so sorry to hear of your brother's death. As a previous poster mentioned, he has left a remarkable and lasting legacy.

Shar Boozier

October 11, 2011

Vicki,
My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one and how nothing can fill the empty space left in your heart. Even though I never met your brother, Bill, I feel I knew him through are many conversations and the world has certainly lost a very special person. If there is anything I can do to help you in the coming days, please don't hesitate to give me a call.

George Klass

October 11, 2011

Very sorry to hear about this. Vicki is a very good friend of mine (Hunter, too).

October 11, 2011

Vicki, what a beautiful and lasting legacy your brother has left. It's true there will be a terrible void since you always knew he was there even though you lived in different parts of the U.S. We are so sorry for your loss but know are extremely proud of him and must have incredible memories from your years growing up together. Our love and prayers, Sharon and Ray

Debbie, Bob Campbell and Family

October 11, 2011

Vicki,
It is hard to lose a family member,
even when they have spent most of their time far from us. I know you had a special bond with your brother, Bill, and he will always be with you.
May our memories and pride in his
contributions to make this a better
world, bring a smile to our hearts.
Love you, Cousin !

Brian Walstad

October 10, 2011

Bill was a nice guy and a good friend he lived 3 doors down from me on 21st. Bless you Bill

Joni Seymour

October 10, 2011

Vicky
Although I have not seen Bill since high school, I will always remember how sweet, smart and funny he was. Losing a sibling is heartbreaking - please accept my condolences. I am grateful for the contributions he made to make this a better world.

October 10, 2011

Vicki,
Bill will always hold a special place in my heart and memory, from Wenonah grade school, through Nokomis Jr. High and through Roosevelt. The last time I saw him was at our five year reunion and we promised to stay in touch. We always had a special bond of friendship and often did our homework together, although he would "get" the answer way before me, but with his teaching gift, he would challenge me to find differnt ways of finding the answer. What a brilliant mind and his legacy will live on in cures and treatments in our future. It meant so much to share memories with you and Annette. She and I will not forget him and I hope your memories will make you smile. Judy Quick Anderson

Joan Fredericks

October 10, 2011

Vicki - Sharing in your sorrow with love and friendship.

Bruce Olson

October 10, 2011

Not only will his family and friends miss Billy but science now has a large hole to fill. Who knows what he may have accomplished for man kind.

October 10, 2011

Iam so glad that you could go to California and meet his friends and that they were so helpful. I wish I could have met your brother ! I know you loved him very much---Love and prayers, always!
Judy

October 10, 2011

I am so glad that Bill fulfilled his potential in such a lasting way. He will be missed. Judy Hansen (RHS 73)

October 10, 2011

Sorry for the hard times. Proud and admiring of all you accomplished. - Butch

Steve Peasley

October 9, 2011

Sorry to hear of Bills passing.

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January 16, 2025

Daryl Eggers posted to the memorial.

October 3, 2024

JUDY STAFNE posted to the memorial.

October 3, 2024

JUDY MAE STAFNE posted to the memorial.