Obituary: Stanley G. Hansen

Stanley G. Hansen, 88, died on Sept. 29 at Whitefish Care and Rehabilitation Center from complications from Alzheimer’s Disease.

He was born on Nov. 4, 1921, to Percy and Lillian Hansen in Yonkers, N.Y., the first of two children. He graduated from the New York State Maritime Academy at Fort Schuyler in 1942. 

He subsequently served as chief engineer aboard several ships as part of the Merchant Marines during World War II, transporting cargo and troops overseas.

On leave for one fateful blind date, he met the woman to whom he would be married for the next 54 years.

He left the sea and married Betsy Ludlow on Dec. 14, 1947 in Bridgehampton, N.Y.

He joined The Travelers Insurance Company’s Engineering and Loss Control Division in 1948 and progressed through offices in New York City, Kansas City, Baltimore, Washington D.C., Dallas and finally the home office in Hartford.

He never missed a day of work in 31 years and retired as the director of the special accounts engineering unit in 1984.

He enjoyed fishing for blue fish in the Long Island Sound, golfing, gardening, woodworking, bowling, crossword puzzles and playing the game of hearts.

He was a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees. He was soft spoken, kind, a devoted family man, a strong believer in the golden rule and a model citizen.

Although always a New Yorker, Stanley moved with his wife in 1995 to Montana to be near his children. He lived in Bigfork and Whitefish.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Betsy, and brother, Donald.

He is survived by his daughter, Gail, and husband, Norman, of Whitefish; son, Barry, and wife, Anita, of Polson; granddaughters, Christina, Elizabeth and Lauren; grandsons, Warren, Robin and wife Karen; two nephews, two nieces and families.

His family is planning a celebration of his life in Montana and New York.