Robert G. Hansen

Robert G. Hansen, 72 WELLS -- Robert G. Hansen, of Wells and Cocoa Beach, Fla., formerly of Woburn, Mass., died unexpectedly July 14, 2009, at the age of 72. He was the beloved husband of Louise (Thurber) Hansen for 52 years; loving father of Lee Hansen and his wife Cathy of Wells, Linda Sullivan and her husband David of Woburn, Janine Bushnell and her husband William of Bolton, and Janice Mara and her husband Al of Atkinson, N.H.; and proud grandfather of Christine Hansen, Matthew and Julie Sullivan, Erika and Samantha Mara and Andrew and Christopher Bushnell. Bob is a graduate of East Coast Aero Tech and Northeastern University. He started his career at Sikorsky Aircraft in Stratford, Conn., and later worked for MIT in Cambridge as a mechanical engineer. While working for Mitre Corporation in Bedford, Mass., Bob was the primary technical support to the Air Force FARR (FAA/Air Force Radar Replacement) Program. This program was a joint Air Force/FAA, program to replace an ageing Radar system to improve the National Defense Air Sovereignty mission, and FAA's Air Traffic control mission. Bob's contribution to the Air Force IFF (Information Friend or Foe) capability was critically important to the Air Force mission need, and played an important role during the 9/11 terrorist attack. Bob Hansen not only provided professional technical support, but took personal risks such as climbing high towers, working in remote areas of Alaska and anything else to get the job done. While at Mitre Bob was a member of the Archery Club. He retired from Mitre after 40 years of service. Bob is a past Most Worshipful Master of Mount Horeb Masonic Lodge in Woburn and also served the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. Most recently he was a member of Ocean Lodge #142 in Wells. He is a past member of the Wells Rotary Club and served on the Town of Wells Planning Board. He enjoyed being a member of the Sudbury Ancient Drum and Fife Corp. and 1st York Militia Company. Bob was an avid reader and had many hobbies including gardening, model airplane building, fishing and golf. He enjoyed building and after retiring to Maine he worked for his son's company L.R. Hansen Construction. He designed and helped build his retirement home. Bob's greatest joy was seeing his whole family together and he designed his home to be a place where everyone was welcomed. Though Maine is his first love, in recent years Bob and Louise were fortunate to find a condo in Cocoa Beach, Fla., where they enjoy the company of their many friends during the winter months. Bob will be remembered for being a great friend and most especially a wonderful father. He was surrounded by his family during his final hours. Bob was a prostate cancer survivor. A service celebrating his life will be held on Friday, July 24, at 11 a.m., at the Congregational Church of Wells, 1160 Post Rd., (Rt 1 North) Wells. Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 111 Chapel Rd., Wells. www.bibberfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: The National Foundation for Cancer Research 4600 East West Highway Suite 525 Bethesda, Maryland 28014 Robert G. Hansen