Terrence Leslie Hansen Jr.

Terrence (Terry) Leslie Hansen Jr. passed away Saturday morning, October 24, 2026, after a heroic 25 year battle with cancer surrounded by his wife, six children, and their families. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather and a steady influence to all around him.

Terry was born in Palo Alto and spent his childhood in Riverside, California, sharing his favorite moments there with his grandparents, Nani and Bapa. He loved fishing, tying his own flies, collecting stamps, and photography. He loved water and snow skiing, and playing sports with his family.

He later moved to Provo and then finished his teenage years in Guatemala while his parents served as mission presidents. There he learned to love the Spanish language and the people. He graduated as valedictorian from high school in Guatemala. After returning home to Provo, he was called to serve in the Spanish speaking Texas South Mission where he was able to continue sharing his love of the gospel.

Upon returning from his mission, Terry graduated from BYU in Business, where he was one of the original BYU Young Ambassadors. He met his wife Sharlene when they were matched as partners at a ping pong tournament. It was a partnership that would become eternal. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 20,1971 and were blessed with 6 children. He and Sharlene moved to East Millcreek where they made their forever home. There they taught their children the value of hard work in their garden and yard. With unyielding patience, he taught all his children snow skiing, water skiing, piano and guitar. He also taught his children and grandchildren the importance of service by his example, always thinking of others before himself.

Terry spent his career in business, finance and technology. He especially loved guiding Church history and historical tours. At 53, Terry began his fight with cancer. Initially given a year to live, he used his intellect to combine dozens of procedures, treatments, and clinical trials, and successfully extended his life 25 years. His doctors and researchers were amazed by his acumen, self-led research and determination to find a cure that enabled him to live many years beyond their expectations.

A side effect of his cancer was tremendous pain. Through faith, sheer will and an unbelievable amount of patience, he endured the pain to continue normal life. After leaving the hospital for a stroke one morning and losing function of his arm he taught the gospel doctrine lesson at church that afternoon.

Terry was known for his photographic memory, perfect musical pitch and the enviable ability to play anything by ear and then transcribe it to a different key. He could compose songs at will on the organ, piano, guitar and used those skills to accompany his children and grandchildren as they performed. He also served as the accompanist in many congregations, groups and individual performances. He served as ward organist for nearly 40 years. His extensive knowledge in all subjects caused his children to describe him as their personal Google before Google existed.

He served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, but his favorite was teaching gospel doctrine, and especially about the atonement of Jesus Christ. He was a scriptorian with a brilliant mind and a burning testimony of the restored gospel. His highest priority was spending time with his wife and together they never missed attending children and grandchildren’s events, hosting sleepovers, Sunday dinners and holidays. A constant favorite was eating at Mandarin in Bountiful and meticulously maintaining their yard. Above all, Terry loved his Father in Heaven, His Savior, Jesus Christ, his wife Sharlene and his family.

Terry will be remembered for his steady hand, sharp brain and soft heart. He is deeply missed and his family anxiously awaits the day they can again spend time with him in the eternities.

Terry is survived by his wife Sharlene, children Sharalee (Jayson Johnson), Marianne (Adam Storheim), Terrence (Amy), Janalyne, Tyillere (Daniela), Travisse (Stephanie), his sisters Christine Smaellie, Angela Meacham and 10 grandchildren: Jaylee, Braxton, Holly, Eliza, Kail, Dulce, Kanela, Cora, Callie, and Carson. He is preceded in death by his brother Michael and parents Terrence and Glenna.

A viewing for Terry will be held Wednesday, October 28th at 7:00- 8:30 pm and on Thursday, October 29th at 11:00 am, followed by the funeral at 12:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints - 2702 East Evergreen Avenue, SLC, UT 84109.

Please contact the family for a link to stream the funeral services.