William Coe Hansen

William Coe Hansen was born to parents Chris and Thelma (Coe) Hansen on October 3, 1933, in Douglas County, Washington. He spent the first years of his life in Douglas County and various places in Washington; his father was involved with Washington dam projects. Most of Bill’s young life was spent in Portland, Oregon. He graduated from Jefferson High School. Bill first served in the National Guard at 17 and at 18, he enlisted in The U.S. Navy to serve in the Korean War effort from 1951 – 1955. Bill served as a Boiler Tender in the after fire room on the U.S.S. Shields.

Bill exchanged wedding vows with Doris Guy on September 25, 1954 at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Portland. They were introduced by Bill’s brother, Stan and became engaged three weeks later. Love at first sight. They were engaged 15 months while Bill served overseas in Korea. In September of this year, Bill and Doris celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.

Following his service in the Navy, Bill worked for Jantzen for a brief period. He spent the next 12 years working for Beall Pipe and Tank until 1969 when he embarked on his new career in the electrical supply business. He started in the warehouse at Westinghouse Electric Supply Company and worked his way up to outside sales. Bill was then recruited by General Pacific Electrical Supply where he spent many years cultivating relationships and helping to grow the successful business Gen Pac is today. Bill worked for several years in sales and was ultimately elected President and C.E.O. until he retired in 1995. During the years spent at Wesco and Gen Pac, Bill forged many friendships that would last his lifetime.

Bill enjoyed golf, photography, and camping trips with his family. In recent years, he was very involved with the annual “U.S.S. Shields Reunion,” a gathering of his shipmates who served with him during the Korean War. He attended the two most recent reunions accompanied by his wife and daughters – a very special and memorable time was had by all. Bill will be remembered as a caring person, someone who could make you laugh, and someone who cherished time with his family. Bill loved his grandchildren and he shared a unique and strong bond with each of them. Bill will be truly missed – to know him is to love him.

Bill is predeceased by his parents Chris and Thelma; a son, Jim Hansen; and sister, Veda Dowdy. Survivors include his loving wife, Doris; daughter Kathy Hogue, her husband Doug and their children Cable and his wife Irais, Zachary and his wife Izzy; daughter Cindy Bowman, her husband Tim, their children Jessica Wood, Matthew, Mackenzie, Madeline a.k.a. Margaret, and Connor Bowman; Jim’s daughter Nichole, son Christopher Hansen, his wife Cassie and their son Ayden James; brother, Stan Hansen, his wife Eleanor; sister, Eleanor Hansen; and a host of honorary grandchildren.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will take place in Skyline Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, December 21st at 1pm. A public viewing will take place in Skyline Chapel from 12 Noon until 12:45 before the ceremony begins. Following the funeral, the family invites you to a party to celebrate Bill’s life at Eastmoreland Golf Club in Portland.

A donation in Bill’s memory may be made to:

U.S.S. Kidd Foundation

305 S. River Road

Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70802 - 6220

Please visit Bill's Internet memorial and online guestbook at: www.skylinememorialgardens.com

Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR. (503) 292-6611