Paul Arthur Hansen

Paul Arthur Hansen, 82, passed away at home in Chicago on August 12, 2024, with his wife of 40 years, Linda Vincent, at his side, following a 13 year battle against the debilitating effects of a stroke.

Paul was born (September 8, 1941) and raised in Iowa, the son of a school superintendent and a kindergarten teacher. He was a proud graduate of Iowa State University, class of 1965, with a Bachelor of Architecture degree.

Paul came to Chicago upon graduation to work with Harry Weese & Associates. While there, he completed an MBA degree at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business (now the Booth School of Business).

In 1980, Paul partnered with Larry Booth to establish the eponymous Booth/Hansen architectural firm.

Paul subsequently joined VOA Associates in 1999, where he continued to focus on design work for higher education institutions.



Paul loved the city of Chicago with its great architectural heritage and took full advantage of its many cultural offerings, especially music, theater, and art. He was fortunate to combine his avocation with his vocation.

Paul was an avid athlete and participated in many sports including distance running, sailing, windsurfing, snow skiing, and road bicycling. He raced one-design sail boats out of Belmont Harbor and helicopter skied in British Columbia.

In his early 60's Paul pursued a longstanding dream to become a pilot, starting with gliders and segueing to powered flight. He was about to qualify for his private pilot license at age 70 when he was felled by a major stroke while visiting the Normandy D-Day beaches. He fought the deficits from the stroke with great determination for almost 13 years before succumbing to the stroke's side effects. He was grateful to Mark, Peter, and Philipp for the wonderful care he received from them at home for the last six years.

In addition to his wife, Paul is survived by two sons, Jim and Jeff (Robin), and three grandchildren, Celeste (Matt), Jamie, and Graham. Per his wishes, there will not be a formal celebration of his life.

Contributions in Paul's memory may be made to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (online or 312-238-6013), to which he is grateful for his rehabilitation following the stroke.