William R. Hansen

1927 - 2023

William "Bill" R Hansen was born December 3, 1927, to Myron and Gladys Hansen. He grew up in Berkley California where he attended Berkley High. After graduation, Bill volunteered for Military Service. He spent most of his enlistment in Alaska. Following his service, he enrolled at San Francisco Community College where he met his future wife, Helen (Sandy) McKay. Bill transferred to SFSU where he played basketball and was the Activities Director for the college. During this time in SF, he also worked at the Golden Gate Theater. Bill and Sandy were married in 1951 and soon after accepted teaching jobs in Whittier, CA. They returned to the Bay Area in 1955. Bill began his long tenure in the Mount Diablo School District as a History teacher at Pacifica High School, then Clayton Valley High School. He transferred to Ygnaico Valley High School in 1963 to become a vice principal. In 1966 Bill was offered his first principalship at Pleasant Hill High School where he remained until the district opened Northgate High School in 1973. Northgate would prove to be the crowning achievement of Bill's long and storied career as an educator. He loved both the staff and students and attended every event put on by the student body. After retiring in 1988, he took an assignment at Chatman College working with student teachers. He also remained active in the community by volunteering at Shadelands Museum, Walnut Creek Sister Cities, the Retired Teachers Assn. and local SIR group. He peacefully passed away on January 15, 2023.He is survived by his son, Lon Hansen and wife Carla, his daughter, Jill Beechinor and husband Bill, his adopted daughter Christi and her husband Steve, 7 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. A celebration of his life will be held on April 15th at Shadelands Museum in Walnut Creek from 1-3pm. Donations can be made in Bill's name to Shadelands Ranch Museum