William Andrew Hansche

1945 - 2024

Major (Ret.) William Andrew Hansche, affectionately known as Bill, Billy, or Wild Bill, passed away on March 30, 2024, at the age of 78. Born on July 25, 1945, in Dunellen, NJ, he was the beloved son of Pearl Hansche Price and William T. Price. While his roots were in Piscataway and Middlesex, NJ, for the past 17 years, he called Kaneohe, HI home. He completed his bachelor's degree in geography from Valparaiso University, his master's degree in Operational Management from the University of Arkansas, and a dual master's degree in Health Facilities Management and Business Administration from Webster College.

His life was dedicated to serving his country, spending 23 years in the U.S. Air Force before transitioning to civilian service with the U.S. Army for the past 31 years. He began his Air Force career enlisting as a Medical Service Specialist in 1969, stationed at Tachikawa Air Force Base in Japan, Blytheville Air Force Base in Arkansas, and the U.S. Air Force Academy Hospital in Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1975 he became a commissioned officer and served as a Missile Launch Officer at Little Rock Air Force Base in Arkansas. After completion of his missile duty, he was assigned to Rockwell International/Defense Electronics Operations in Anaheim, CA serving as a Manufacturing Officer where he was responsible for the B-1 Bomber Long Range Combat Aircraft Program. For the remainder of his career in the Air Force, he served as a Logistics Plans and Program Officer at Hanscom Air Force Base, MA and Yokota Air Force Base, Japan. Throughout his Air Force career, he exemplified dedication and excellence, earning numerous decorations, including the Airman's Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Upon retiring from the Air Force, he continued to serve the government as a Strategic Military Planner for the United States Army Pacific.

Beyond his distinguished military career, Bill was a man of many passions. He embodied a zest for life that radiated through his every moment. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He loved to tell stories and perform magic tricks. He was passionate about the game of golf and a lifelong New York Yankees fan. An adventurer at heart, he found solace in the great outdoors, embodying the spirit of an Eagle Scout and sharing his passion for camping with loved ones. Bill's love affair with the sea began in his youth, where sailing and surfing captured his spirit. In 1999, he realized a lifelong dream by navigating the open seas from Wake Island to Japan. Beyond his love for sports and the outdoors, Bill was a strategic mind, finding joy in chess and shogi, passing on his wisdom to his grandsons. His generosity knew no bounds; he found fulfillment in helping others, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with all who crossed his path. He had a profound love for Japan which led him to cultivate numerous connections and friendships during his time living and traveling in the country. He found great joy in engaging with children through coaching, teaching, conversing, and mentoring. He was a wise man whose words of wisdom would lift you up when you were down. He would say, "Happiness is something that comes into our lives through doors we didn't even remember leaving open."

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Chizu Hansche, his daughter Luticia M. Boozer (Greg), and his two grandsons, Keiji S. Boozer and Kaelen G. Boozer.

Though he may have left this world, Major (Ret.) William Andrew Hansche's legacy of kindness, wisdom, and adventure will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

There will be a memorial service on Thursday, June 13, from 11:00AM to 12:00PM, at Fort Shafter at the USARPAC Defense Coordinating Element (Base Access Required). Funeral service will be on Friday, June 14 at 11:00AM at Hawaii State Veterans Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following charities my father supported: Inspiration Ministries, River of Life Mission, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital