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Rodney Hansen Obituary
A longtime resident of Orange County, passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 29, 2005. Omaha-born, Rod earned his B.A. degree from Northwestern University and picked up his M.A. at the University of California at Santa Barbara. He attended the University of Hawaii on an NDEA Fellowship. Ever the expert in debate and oration, he served as a prominent debate coach at Westside High School in Omaha and assistant debate coach at UC Santa Barbara. For thirty years, Rod was a member of Orange Coast College's faculty where he was an instructor of speech as well as forensics coach. He was also a respected member of the Speech Association of America, Delta Sigma Rho and Tau Kappa Alpha. Rod will be dearly missed by many friends and family who loved and admired him, particularly Thom Ignatowicz of Dana Point; sister and brother-in-law, Pam and Pete Dondelinger; niece Kim VanCleave; nephew Greg Dondelinger; great nieces Mikenzie and Mikayla VanCleave, all of Omaha, NE. Orange Coast Community College has established a scholarship fund. Donations may be made to OCC Foundation-Hansen Excellence in Rhetoric, 2701 Fairview Street, Costa Mesa, CA 92626.
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Memories and Condolences
for Rodney Hansen
Sponsored by Thom.
Bob Dees
June 13, 2005
I really liked and admired Rod, and I am glad to have taught and worked with him for many good years at Orange Coast College. He was an excellent, upbeat, dedicated teacher and a thorough professional. Students loved him. We all did.
Steve Allen
May 22, 2005
Rod and Thom have been dear friends of ours ever since they got together. We have shared many good times with Rod, and those memories we will cherish always. I love you Rod, Steve & Larry
Larry Vitanza
May 22, 2005
Good O Rodney not only a good old friend of mine but what a fantastic writer and conversationist. I will miss him much and his conversations, and his interesting emails. I always told him he gave good email. LOL.. Which i got once or twice a week.
THanks Rod for Everything especially just being Rod!
Larry Vitanza
Barbara Klein-Robuck
May 21, 2005
As a nurse assessor, I met with Rod several times regarding his long term care needs and I was always impressed with his courage and optimism. Condolences to the family and especially to Thom.
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Gayle Males
May 15, 2005
Jim and I got to know Rod through Thom, our dearest friend. We were fortunate to meet Rod and spend time with him during a visit to Dana Point. We also enjoyed many phone conversations with him and loved his candid humor and great understanding. Our sympathies go to Thom, who we know will miss Rod greatly.
Louis & Kathie Ignatowicz
May 15, 2005
Our condolensces to all Rod's family and friendes, particularly to our brother/brother in-law, Tom Ignatowicz.
We grieve with you at this time confident that your pain will ease in time.
Lou and Kathie Ignatowic
Scott & Denise Austin
May 14, 2005
It is really only within the past few years that we got to know Rod on a more than "wave as you go by" basis. He truly was a class act. Not only was he articulate and aware of situations, he was also quite humorous (our favorite trait!) and fair in his judgments. He is and will continue to be missed in the community.
Lois & Marty Shainen
May 14, 2005
We both will miss Rod's wit, charm and most of all, his friendship. He demonstrated remarkable courage in facing his many health problems. He will not be forgottten.
Our deepest condolences to Thom and Rod's family.
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