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Reed Hanson Obituary
CAPE ELIZABETH - Reed W. Hanson, of Cape Elizabeth, passed away Feb. 23, 2017.
The man. The myth. The Phantom. Raising hell for over six decades. The Hanson family is deeply saddened by the untimely loss of their family hero, Butch. He was the most generous and charismatic man we ever knew. He gave openly, no questions asked. Butch was passionate about anything with a motor, but had a lifelong love affair with cars. He never missed an opportunity to smoke the tires.
Butch is survived by his partner, Jennifer; children, Eric and wife Megan; Jason and wife Staci; daughter Kara; and his children's mother Lynn; grandson Connor; and sisters, Joyce and Lee.
We will miss your laugh and unwavering compassion, but most of all, your love.
We all know how he liked to tell stories. Please come and re-tell stories he can no longer tell. The celebration of his life will be at a later date. For details, please email: [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Reed Hanson
Patricia
March 12, 2017
Butch is responsible for some of my craziest, funniest and fondest memories from the years I spent in high school in Cape Elizabeth. I always think of him when I make a particularly smooth turn around a tight corner. He taught me how. He had great passion and heart and was always so happy to share what he loved. RIP Butch!~!~!
ed werler
March 9, 2017
The three of us had so much fun in and out of school ,you Richy and me , the three amigos , the trouble we caused , the dress codes , you always made life fun when you were part of it ! Thank You my good friend , as your mom would say Booooochy !!!
Nancy Creteau Martins
March 7, 2017
I last saw Butch about 17 years ago when Joyce brought him to our class reunion as her guest. I was shocked to learn of his passing.
March 7, 2017
A good man who will be missed.
Bill and Susie Bennett
Jim and Linda Landry
March 6, 2017
With our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends on Butch's untimely passing. I remember Butch from our high school years when during the school week he wore his hair slicked-back to meet school guidelines; but in reality it became a "Beatle" cut after school and during the weekends! Butch always liked the fast, muscle cars and being at all the CE parties! Butch WAS the Cape Fonz!! Just a real nice guy!
Debby Loeffel Maley
March 2, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Butch's family. I have fond memories of rides in his Corvette when I was in high school. I hadn't seen him since the 70's but never forgot him. He was the coolest of cool!
Doug Crane
March 2, 2017
Hey Butch, We traveled in different circles during HS but there was that one short period later on when we were chasing after two best friends in Yarmouth.. remember! That was fun and was the time I got to know you a little better. My deepest sympathy's are with all the friends and family that love you and have been left behind. Rest in peace buddy....
Pat Armstrong
February 28, 2017
Your kindness and beautiful soul will be sorely missed, Butch. So many people loved and admired you. My heart goes out to all of your friends and family. I am sure you are paving the way for the rest of us when we all meet again. RIP
February 28, 2017
Know saying "You look like you lost your best friend"? I did. And life will never be the same.
Whitney Hargraves
February 28, 2017
I don't remember when I first met Kara's Dad but I know that he was the warmest, easiest person to be around. He welcomed Kara's friends into his home with Jen and made sure we had plenty of food and fun, jet skiing, going on the boat, driving with MoMo. I will miss Butch terribly but will get to see a piece of him everytime I'm with my best friend Kara because she is as warm and easy to be with as he always was. My love to her and her brothers and sisters-in law, and to Jen.
Dani Nisbet
February 28, 2017
So very sorry for this profound loss.... like Cape Elizabeth has lost the Fonz..,
Megan Hanson
February 27, 2017
Gumpy,
I have to admit that I never thought in a million years I would be close to my father-in-law. You weren't just my father-in-law though; you were my friend. You were an amazing father and grandfather. Connor just adored you.
Funny story... He told his teacher at school today that you were in heaven and then he bragged you were in the newspaper. He even made sure she knew you had gray hair!
All my love,
Megan
February 27, 2017
I am so sorry for your Loss. I would like to know when the memorial is because I would like to spend time with you and the family and friends to remember him and hear stories.
I send my love to Jennifer, Joyce and Lee.
I find life funny how interconnected life can be, as I know Butch from Cape and then met Lynn in recent years through Homeopathy and found out that she had been married to Butch.
I have enjoyed spending time with Butch and Jennifer at the snow squall and reunions. He has been a good friend to many. I was always a little nervous in high school because he looked like a BAD boy.... funny how much compassion is hidden under a leather jacket or slicked back hair. I know he will be missed so much.
With Love
Joan
LINDA EDWARDS
February 27, 2017
Last saw Butch at our 45th CEHS Class of 69 reunion. Recall thinking he hadn't changed a bit...still the coolest kid in town. Such a loss. My prayers to his family, and Joyce and Lee.
Barbara Ward
February 27, 2017
My condolences to all the Hanson family and loved ones...I have fond memories of Butch from the ol'Cape High days and the fun summer times we all had as friends...you had a gift Butch..anything with an engine you could fix...and did a great job by doing so. Your kindness and quiet ways ..will always be remembered by me...I am so saddened to know your handsome smile will not be seen anymore....but your in our thoughts and hearts...and your memory will never be forgotten or the fun we all had in our youth...God Bless ....
Bruce Beecher
February 27, 2017
My thoughts are with the Hansen family and their loved ones.
So many great stories, so much fun. I can still hear Butch's laugh and see his smile.
Stuffing 283 cubic inch small blocks in "56"Chevys...add a four speed and 4.11 posi rear end and get her out on route 77. Ice cold Schlitz at the Cave.
There is not a chance that any of us who knew Butch and called him our friend will ever forget him.
Butch until we meet again"GUSTO".
Bruce Beecher
Roger Foster
February 27, 2017
So saddened to hear of Butch's passing. I had many a conversation with him at the Old Mill and MarketBasket . Lots of laughs and stories of travel.
Ralph Farris
February 27, 2017
It is with heartfelt sadness, as I remember the many days shared with Butch, Knowing I will not see him again. We raced around in fast boats on the lake, fished for lobsters on the sea, and drove old cars as fast as we could all over the place. I will miss you. sympathy to Jen and family.
Timmy O'Brien
February 26, 2017
the greeting to me wasn't hi or how are you it was "got a half nine" ? a half nine being a box wrench with a combination of a half inch size on one end and with a 9/16th on the other end.from a young guy seeing Butch tooling around Cape in his "hearse" to eventually working with him at Cape Shore Shell.how many people would let someone else drive their Corvette to Sam DiPietro's to get lunch ? I am so sorry that I will never see you again.The MANY laughs we had and your friendship will never be forgotten.Godspeed Butchie.My deepest sympathies to all of his family.
Lynn Connell
February 26, 2017
May you find peace in the arms of the Angels ❤❤
Susan Armstrong Busby
February 26, 2017
I haven't seen Butch since our last class reunion but that doesn't lessen my sadness. Butch was always a great guy and will be missed by all. My condolences to his family. Susan Armstrong Busby
February 26, 2017
Ahhh mister man!!! I remember so dearly the first time I ever met you... Eddie, my brother invited you to our house and you were so handsome and intriguing... That never changed mister man... love you and will miss you at the reunions... God Speed... love... Cathy Tait
scott keller
February 26, 2017
At a loss for words just knowing the time has ended to have him in our lives for a lot longer. 1962-2017 he was a best friend in school and beyond. My heart goes out to all affected,especially Jennifer,family and friends. He touched so many that will never forget someone so special as a great guy in all aspects. Will forever miss you buddy. We'll meet again. xo Scotty/Barbie
Mary Belyea
February 26, 2017
Sending condolences to all
Fly with the Angels Butchie!
Mary Belyea
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Kay Conley
February 26, 2017
We were neighbors in Windham. Great guy! My thoughts and prayers with the family. So sorry for your loss
carmen corcimiglia
February 26, 2017
Jennifer, our most heartfelt condolences to you and the family. Butch was certainly one of a kind and he was one of the kindest most compassionate guys i have ever known. i have lots of memories that span back to the 70's.
Kerry Grindeland
February 26, 2017
I am so sorry to learn of Butchie's passing. I remember him from high school days and have fond memories of him and Ritchie together along with many others. My sincere condolences to all of you, Butchie's family and friends. Peace and comfort to you all.
February 26, 2017
Our deepest sympathy to your family. with our love, Kathy and John Polletto
Peter, Susan, Helen, and Nona
February 26, 2017
Jennifer, our sincere condolences to you and all of Butchie's family - great memories and good times - he will be missed xo
Alan Seader
February 26, 2017
Butchie, will miss our times..from High School, buddies thru all these years. Love and Peace.
Jerry Coyman
February 26, 2017
Hey Mr. Hanson,
I know you don't know me but I work with your son Eric at the shipyard, I haven't known him for a long time but he is an awesome friend to have, you have raised to him to be a good man and an awesome dad. I'm sorry you had to leave this earth and I know you will be missed.
Jonathan Priest
February 26, 2017
You were truly one of a kind, Butch! I consider myself lucky to have gotten to know Eric and the rest of your family as well.
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