Gordon Hansen

Gordon J. Hansen, born January 16, 1935, passed away quietly at his home in West Jordan, UT on April 2, 2024. He was 89.
Born in St. Paul, MN of Norwegian immigrants, Jens Hansen and Gerda Valtinsen, Gordon was the youngest of three sons. It was during those years in Minnesota that he learned about auto mechanics and fishing and came to love scouting. He was an incredible outdoorsman. Gordon's father, Jens, passed suddenly when Gordon was 15. With both older brothers out of the house, Gordon took on the responsibility of helping his mother and grew very close to her.
Gordon graduated from Harding High, lettering in tennis. He loved theater and acting. He was the lead in several plays and had memorized and performed dozens of Jerry Lewis skits. He also loved to sing, and everyone loved to hear him. His deep, bass voice was our favorite sound and made him the perfect MC at any event.
Gordon was incredibly intelligent and a natural engineer from a young age. He declined a full-ride scholarship to MIT to stay close to home at the University of Minnesota, where he was heavily recruited in engineering, leading him to Sandia Laboratories in New Mexico. Gordon perhaps was best known for his exceptional intellect and professional contributions. As one of the early nuclear test engineers at the National Laboratories, he helped pioneer this country's energy and defense industries. Whether stationed at home in Albuquerque, NM or at proving grounds in the South Pacific, the deserts of Nevada, White Sands Missile Range, or Los Alamos, when an experiment called for technology that was not yet available, he invented it and patented it.
It was during his time at the Nevada test site that he met his dear wife "wench", Karen Dalby. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married on February 24, 1962. Having been raised a devout Lutheran, he converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was sealed to his wife in the Idaho Falls temple. In the years following, they raised their five wonderful children; four sons and one daughter. Gordon was truly the best dad. His family was everything to him. He was always up for an adventure, whether it meant a trip to Disneyland or a summer in Minnesota. These are memories that will always be cherished.
Alongside his beloved wife Karen of 62 years, Gordon was a constant student throughout his life with a special love for history, science, music, and art. In retirement, this love of learning led to many travels worldwide from a home base in Payson, AZ. His memory was photographic. Yet he was also a spiritual giant and example of strength through meekness. He had unshakable faith, unflappable patience, a quick sense of humor, and a selfless kindness towards others.
Gordon believed his greatest accomplishment was his family. He is survived by his wife Karen, children Kris (Stacey) of Bozeman, MT, Garrett (Julie) of Snowmass, CO, Greg (Gina) of San Diego, CA, Laryl (Mark Wintercorn) of Sandy, UT, and Roger (Melissa) of Murray, UT. He also derived great joy from each of his cherished grandchildren, Devin, Scott, Ryan, Carson, Alex and Aubrie, Casey, Laila, Josh, Brianna, Tanner, Sarah, Michael, Janet, Marian, Ava, Quinne, Eysten, and great grandson Ryder.
His legacy of faith, intellectual mastery, kindness, and family devotion continues on through the lives of those touched by his broad influence.
Arrangements will be handled by Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home.