Daniel Hanson

1953 - 2022

Daniel Dean Hanson Teacher - Mentor - Musician - Writer - Advocate - Husband - Boompah No measurement of weight can accurately convey that which our hearts carry in sharing that Dan Hanson passed away on 4/21/2022 at his home in Everett Washington. Dan was born to Carl and Ruth Hanson in Minot North Dakota on the Eighth of May 1953. He was the youngest of five siblings, three of which he's now reunited with. His brothers David and Carlyn along with his sister Janet preceded his departure while his oldest brother Boyd remains as the elder of the Hanson family. He also leaves behind his wife of 21 years Lori Ann Hanson, two bonus daughters Jessica and Ashley Sorenson, son Nathan Hanson, and his grandchildren Sebastian and Zelda. In the 60's the bulk of the Hanson family moved from Minot to Everett which would be Dan's true hometown. He Cruised Colby. He hung out at Herfy's. He would go on to graduate from Cascade High School in 1971, and ultimately get his Master's Degree from Western Washington University. After finishing his own education, Dan went onto a career of not just teaching, but making a point to help the students that may have otherwise slipped through the cracks of the system. In the late 70's Dan took a position at ECI (Educational Consultants/Clinics Inc.) working with At-Risk Youth. In his almost 30 years with ECI he went from being a teacher, to a clinic manager, and ultimately the Regional Vice President overseeing a handful of schools in Washington State. His time with ECI not only saw him guide and mentor countless students, but many members of his staff as well. After his time with ECI Dan would go onto start Pacific Learning Center Northwest focusing on students on the Autism spectrum. The number of lives he helped to shape is immeasurable, and a part of his legacy that will continue to live on. He may have only been a father to one biologically, but he filled that role for a lot of people that deserved the regard. Outside of his career, Dan's was an accomplished musician, writer, avid cyclist, and member of several fraternal originations such as the Masons and the Order of the Amaranth. He spent a great deal of time in the 1990's recording dozens and dozens of original songs on reel-to-reel four and eight track devices. At their peak, his band, the Chanting Yakmen, had been the house band for several local venues and had played with other acts such as Blue Oyster Cult ultimately releasing an album titled "Merchant of Yak." While never active, the Yakmen would often get together over the last decade with original members Lee Clements, Howie Heath, and Rob Johns often welcoming Nate and Lori in to play along. Of all the things in life Dan shared with his son, Nate considers his passion for music to be the most cherished. Few do so much to help so many in their time on Earth. Losing Dan so suddenly, while a painful shock to those of us remain, frees him from any burdens he carried. There was no long, protracted hospital stay, decline of health beyond any quality left to life, or any similar circumstances to have suffered. While in the moment many of us may not know how we can carry on without his guidance, those blessed enough to know it will always have the influence we need to do so. The best way to honor his memory is simply to maintain a positive mental outlook, and to treat others the way we'd wish to be treated. A celebration of life will be held June 4th 2022, at 1pm, at Cascade High School in Everett. Dress code is your favorite concert T-shirt. All family, friends, peers, and students are encouraged to come share their stories and company. May 8, 1953 - April 21, 2022