Leif Hansen Sr.

Hansen, Sr., Leif W.
Leif Winther Hansen Sr., of Danbury CT, died December 26 at St. John Paul II Center at the age of 99. He was born July 7, 1916 in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Haldis W. and Conwall B.Hansen.
Mr. Hansen attended the Phoenix Art Institute in New York City where he studied under noted painter, Robert Brackman, among others. He continued his studies at the Workshop of Commercial Art and then the Television Workshop, both in New York City.
Mr. Hansen joined the Army and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant and Tank Unit Commander, serving in the European theater during World War II. As members of the 20th Armored Division, Lt. Hansen and his company participated in the liberation of Dachau prison camp.
After his honorable discharge at the end of WWII he began his career in advertising as a commercial artist and technical illustrator with agencies and companies in New York and Connecticut, before establishing his own studio in Danbury.
He was a member of the First Congregational Church of Danbury for over 50 years where much of his art work is either on display or in use for services. At one point he was known affectionately by some as "artist in residence".
Mr. Hansen was a long time member of the board at the Richter Association for the Arts, serving as Visual Arts Chairman. He exhibited his beautiful watercolor paintings there and at other venues as well.
He served on the board of Troop 52, BSA while his sons were in the program. Mr. Hansen was also a member of the Men's Club of Danbury.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his son Leif Jr. and his brothers Carl and Kenneth. He is survived by his wife, Mary Terrell Hansen (Terry), His son Peer and wife Brook Bartlett, his daughter Holly and husband Keith Reiner, a brother David and wife Mary, brother in law Truman Terrell and wife Mary, sisters in law June Hansen and Katherine Miller, grandchildren Henry and Helen Hansen and several nephews and nieces and their families.
Contributions may be made to the First Congregational Church, 164 Deer Hill Ave., Danbury, CT 06810 or to the Richter Association for the Arts, 100 Aunt Hack Rd., Danbury, CT 06811.
A Memorial Service will be held at the First Congregational Church, 164 Deer Hill Ave., Danbury, Friday, January 8, 2016 at 11:00 AM. Interment will be private at Wooster Cemetery, Danbury.
The family will receive friends at the Hull Funeral Home, 60 Division St., Danbury, Thursday evening January 7, 2015 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Online condolences may be left at Hullfuneralservice.com.