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John Hansen Obituary
05/19/1937 - 03/25/2024
John T. Hansen, 86, died in Atlanta, Ga., on March 25, 2024, surrounded by his beloved wife of 25 years, Holland Hansen and family.
John grew up in Burlingame, Calif., and attended Burlingame High School. He graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Law School and clerked for the formidable California Supreme Court Justice, Stanley Mosk. He then launched a successful legal career that spanned five decades and included partnerships in some of the top corporate law firms in San Francisco.
In the early years, John defended conscientious objectors during the Vietnam War and won one of those cases in the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition, he also took on and won many employment discrimination class actions. Later, he became a recognized expert in the field of bankruptcy law and handled many high-profile bankruptcy cases including one of the largest creditors in the Orange County Municipal bankruptcy recovering $300 million-plus.
John never lost his interest in politics or his passion for justice, equality and civil rights. He was also a great fan of the Stanford football team and attended the home games into his 80s. He resided in San Francisco, Calif., for 50+ years and moved to Atlanta, Ga., in 2021, to spend more time with his grandkids.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Hansen
Sponsored by Neptune Society - Atlanta.
Michael Tobriner
May 30, 2024
I have the fondest memories of John. In his quiet, serious, caring, and intelligent way, he was a wonderful friend, always interested in me and what I was doing, always ready to discuss any topic of our mutual interest, from law to politics to more personal matters. He was, of course, a wonderful lawyer, with a lifetime commitment to representing progressive causes. This last quality in particular endeared me to John; I often wished that I could be as gifted and effective as John in using the law to make the world a better place. I shall miss John so much, as will all who knew him. His memory is a blessing to all of us.
Michael H Weiss
May 24, 2024
I was John's law partner in the mid-70's for 5 years during the early portion of our respective practice of law. Our practice then encompassed bankruptcies, Title VII employment discrimination and defense of selective service defendants cases. John was a very bright, talented attorney who was kind and generous if a bit constrained in expressing his emotions. We were co-counsel in an important Supreme Court decision, Lines v. Frederick, which protected wage-earners vacation pay (as wages) from being taken by the bankruptcy trustee. We also attempted to expand that protection to unvested retirement pay from wages, where we were successful in the District Court (Judge Wollenberg), but not in the 9th Cir. Our office manager and administrative assistant was John's first wife of thirty years, Julia, a talented, capable, well organized with terrific people skills woman. Their union produced two children, Sara and Charles and 3 grandchildren. Over the years it was always a pleasure to run into John in Court and to pass the time talking about "the good old days!" My best to both families.
Michael H Weiss
Faye Moore
May 12, 2024
Sending hugs and prayers to Holland and family. Thank you for all my dumb questions you help to understand to gain my Masters degree. What a blessing you were during that crucial time. Thank you thank you.
Andrea Clay
May 10, 2024
As a young lawyer in my first law firm job, John was my partner/supervisor at the Nossaman firm in 1995. He was a great lawyer and a great mentor. I learned so much under his guidance and I am the lawyer I am today because of the foundation upon which I started. Long after I left the firm, my boyfriend at the time (now husband) and I had dinner a couple of times with John and Holland. He will be greatly missed by many loved ones, colleagues, friends and mentees.
Alan E Ramos
May 8, 2024
I'm proud to say that I was a colleague of John Hansen. John was a fine attorney, but much more that that John was a true gentleman. I had great respect for John's ethics and professionalism. I shall miss him.
Carlene McGlothern
May 7, 2024
Very good and kind Man
And Husband.
Michael Thornton
May 7, 2024
My most sincere condolences to Holland and his entire family on John's passing. You will be in my prayers. We worked together for many years at Nossaman and what stood out most about John was his humanity, empathy, and compassion for others. I would often talk to him at the office and we always discussed important current issues and politics. I learned a lot talking to him and am a better person for it. He had a quiet sense of humor that showed itself in surprising ways and then he would smile and share a little laugh. Delightful moments! I will miss him.
Christopher Long
May 7, 2024
I´m terribly sorry to hear of John´s passing. He and I worked together on the Bar Association of San Francisco´s delegation to the Conference of California Bar Associations and attended several conferences with him. I only knew John for a few years, but I had nothing but respect for his dedication to the legal profession and commitment to justice for all. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Katy Young
May 6, 2024
John and I met when I was a new lawyer at Nossaman and he was a partner. We didn't have much of a relationship until I noticed that he had dyed his mustache black in honor of the San Francisco Giants baseball team. I hollered "Go Giants!" at him as he passed my office and we have been friends ever since. He was smart, patient, and kind. I am lucky to have known him.
John O'Grady
May 6, 2024
John was generous with his time with me when I had questions about bankruptcy. His passion for justice led him to invite me and others to participate in State Bar politics. I appreciate his passion for life and his caring for all people. What a loss for all of us. My condolences.
John Heiman
May 5, 2024
John and I met nearly 70 years ago. He had a quiet passion for politics and once hauled me to an even to visit with a man John thought I should meet. After chatting with this political candidate briefly to inform him of John's campaign efforts he then introduced me to Adlai Stevenson, twice a Presidential candidate. I witnessed John's subdued assertiveness on other occasions after he entered private practice late in his career. My recent chat with Holland further reinforced my respect for John's quiet demeanor. You had best paid attention during John's conversations else you might miss a very funny remark uttered in his low volume style.
Good bye friend
Steve Clem
May 5, 2024
John was a fantastic human being with a kind heart and a sharp
mind. I had the pleasure of knowing John and his wonderful
Wife Holland for 20+ years. They were absolutely 2 of the nicest
people I have ever known...My condolences go out to the entire
family.
Steve Clem
Jim Weixel
May 5, 2024
I was honored to have worked with John on the Conference of Delegates over many years. He was a solid advocate for justice and a great friend. Sending my condolences and special thoughts to his family and close friends. He will be greatly missed.
Cecilia Howard and Family
May 4, 2024
My condolences to the family and may God give you all strength losing a loved one is never easy. Keeping you all in my prayers cousin .
Angie Sandovwl
May 4, 2024
John was always so nice and a little to quiet that I think we drove him crazy at times lol. I remember when he took us to Disneyland and we were just so excited to go and he was just calm, but he was great to talk to about anything. His wife Holland (Ms.Kiki) as we called her growing up and her family always have treated us like family so I grew up around John. May he Rest In Peace and praying for his wife and family.
Rita Miller
May 4, 2024
John was one of the kindest, thoughtful and considerate people that I have met. My heart cries for his loving, passionate and beautiful wife, Holland as well as his entire family. There is never a good time to loose our loved ones. I Thank God for Comfort, Peace and Strength for his family during this difficult time! May God Bless you All!
Patricia
May 4, 2024
The Williams Family, enjoyed a trip in Las Vegas with the Hansen´s family many years ago, rest in peace
Chan Blue
May 4, 2024
My condolences to the family. May God strengthen you and give you peace during this season.
Elaine O'Neil
May 4, 2024
I worked with John for several years in the mid 1990s at the Nossaman law firm in San Francisco. I remember and appreciate the mentoring he provided to me early in my career. John was one of the first attorneys to provide thoughtful and constructive feedback on my work. My condolences to Holland and John's family.
Rosie
May 4, 2024
May God bless you. God gave you a beautiful husband to spend life with. You are a strong beautiful woman and will continue to thrive and enjoy life. Keep your eye on God. My long time friend! Holland
Janet M Brown-wooten
May 4, 2024
My condolences to the family.
Love,Janet Brown-Wooten
Abram Feuerstein
May 4, 2024
John was a mentor to me in the late 1980s and showed me how to practice law in the fullest sense of representing a client to the best of one´s abilities. As a manager of a government law office, 35 years later I still apply the knowledge I learned as a member of John´s bankruptcy group at Thelen Marrin. Wishing peace to his family.
Carolyn Young
May 4, 2024
In this day and age we need more good and decent people like John. Yes he was obviously very intelligent, but even more importantly he was a man with a good heart who cared about others. I am forever grateful to John for the advice he gave me when my daughter was having issues with a college professor in a class she really needed in order to graduate. John was such a beautiful person. His presence in the world will truly be missed.
Shelly Foutz-Lowe
May 3, 2024
What an amazing man who selflessly served his community and humanity! The world lost a wonderful man.
Our family is praying for his beautiful wife, Holland and family.
Larry Organ
May 3, 2024
I knew John through the Conference of Delegates. He was a powerful advocate for progressive causes and a good friend. I will miss his great sense of humor and his keen insights.
DeRhonda Haynes
May 3, 2024
John, I´m going to miss you. You were a sweet loving, kind and caring man. I was always excited to see you. I remember when you came to my graduation party. I really appreciated that. I´m going to miss you. May you rest in Gods loving arms. I Love You Dee
Oliver Dunlap
May 3, 2024
John was a good attorney, and a great friend. He will be missed.
Keon Abraham
May 3, 2024
Gave me my first opportunity for a hourly rate job and much more knowledge and different ways to view life lessons thank you for everything.. Rest well uncle John
Alicia M Gamez
May 3, 2024
I met John through the Conference of California Bar Associations, San Francisco Delegation. John was a reliable colleague and insightful teammate. In the years that I was delegation chair and vice chair, John was generous with his time and brilliance to help keep the Delegation running, as I am sure he was with other chairs. Salt of the earth. Without pretension. Brilliant. He is missed.
Brendan Macaulay
May 3, 2024
John and I worked together for 11 years and tried a case together. I very much enjoyed working with him and wide ranging discussions about all manner of unrelated topics. We´ll miss him.
Ann Barkley
May 3, 2024
I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to the loving wife and family of our brother John may you rest well in the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessings strength and Comfort Holly. Much love Ann Barkley.
Marc Levinson
May 3, 2024
John was a talented attorney and a good man. He will be missed.
Raven Thornton
May 3, 2024
Praying for peace and comfort to the family for this difficult time.
Holly Johnson Friar
May 3, 2024
John was a good husband and father. His love and compassion is remembered by all. Our condolences, The Friars
Dawn
May 3, 2024
Although, you lived a wonderful life on earth you´re still going to be missed. I wish you were still here creating wonderful memories with your wife and family. I enjoyed the stories Holland, shared with me about you. I pray her strength in the Lord, during this difficult time. She is strong, so Rest in Peace John, as God knows best. Dawn, DGinspires
Angela Russell
May 3, 2024
Condolescenes for the loss of John. Sending you comfort and peace.
Nico and Joe
May 3, 2024
John, thank you for donating your time so unselfishly. Time is valuable and yours meant so much. Sending positive vibes and healing to your family.
Harvell Green
May 3, 2024
John, you will truly be missed by your family, friends, and those who casually came in contact with you. You will forever be loved and remembered. Rest in heaven.
Easter Denise Wilson
May 2, 2024
Love you cousin,God bless you and your family.
Hon. Arthur Weissbrodt (ret.)
April 28, 2024
John was an excellent and conscientious lawyer.
Arthur Weissbrodt, Retired Bankruptcy Judge
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