Richard Allen Hansen Junior passed away at home with his loving wife by his side on July 28, 2023 in Dallas, Texas. He was born in Evanston, Illinois on March 14, 1967.
Rich was a beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, father, grandpa, and friend. He was a man of love, warmth, and laughter, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of those he touched.
Rich’s life was one of adventure and resilience as he lived and grew up in various places throughout the country due to his father’s airline career. He dedicated two years of his life to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Merida, Mexico.
In his professional life, Rich’s love for flying culminated in becoming a commercial pilot most recently with American Airlines. Throughout his years with AA, Rich’s piloting expertise and leadership abilities flourished, earning him the esteemed position of Captain.
Rich was the life of the party, always bringing a sense of joy and fun wherever he went. He had an uncanny ability to make others feel welcome and comfortable, effortlessly bridging gaps and fostering connections among friends and family. His charisma and genuine interest in others endeared him to all, and he was admired for his ability to lift spirits and bring happiness to those around him.
Rich’s unwavering devotion to family was a defining aspect of his life. A true family man, he cherished every moment spent with his beloved wife, children, and, in his later years, his precious grandkids. In the eyes of his grandkids, he was their hero, their biggest fan, and their safe haven. Family events were never missed, as Rich consistently made a significant effort to be present and create cherished memories with his loved ones. His boundless love and affection will forever resonate in the hearts of all who had the privilege of being part of his life.
He is survived by his parents Richard and Nancy, the love of his life, Angela, 5 children Tara (Michael), Kyle (Taylor), Kolton, Tatum and Taylee, his 4 step children Elliot (Haley), Stella, Lucy (James), and Pearl, 5 grandchildren MJ, Max, Madelyn, Grace, and Nora, and 3 siblings Richelle (Jim), Renee (Greg) and Rodney (Shannon).
The visitation for Mr. Hansen will be Saturday August 5, 2023 beginning at 9:30 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7752 E McDowell Road, Mesa, AZ 85207, followed by the service at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at the City of Mesa Cemetery, 1212 N Center St, Mesa, AZ 85201 at 1:00 pm. The service for Rich will be available on Zoom – https://zoom.us/j/97800515134
Arrangements by Bunker’s Garden Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.
We are so very fortunate that we were privileged to know this wonderful human being. We love Rich and Angela and their parents. Rich has been a strong asset and favorable influence in numerous settings and a variety of organizations. He loved his Savior whose precepts Rich sincerely followed. We are shocked at his sudden passing passing and pray for Angela, Rich’s parents and siblings, his children and grandchildren, as well as nephews and nieces that they may be comforted. May they be forever reminded of his goodness, love, and competence. His bigger-than-life presence will be missed by all of us who have known him. Dave and Carol
My memories of Rich stem from my younger years as a teen playing basketball with Kyle. Rich often was one of our default coaches. He made it fun and had a very significant impact on me those short years before high school. You will be missed brother!
Rich was in my ward when I was in young men’s and was always so good at helping everyone feel included and have fun. I have a lot of great memories with him and his son Kyle at scout camp, Tuesday night activities and other scout/church related activities. He was also a great example and a great man. I am sure he will be missed by all who knew him!
We are sad to hear of Rich’s passing. We love him and he made us feel so welcome in the Las Sendas Ward. we will always remember the dinners and games at the your home. Our love we send to Angela and his children.
Angela, it was my honor to know Rich, he was a wonderful man and priesthood holder.
I am overwhelmed with the sadness that comes with the news of Rich’s passing. We first met years ago back at New Haven high school in our very young years. We had a sweet and cute friendship that unfortunately time and distance intervened, but I am very thankful to have had the opportunity to reconnect with him over the phone many months ago. Rich did nothing but expand on the complete joy, love and admiration he had for his wife, his children, his siblings, his grandchildren and his parents. No matter the topic, Rich always had a wonderful and correlating “family“ story to relay and share. He obviously lead with his heart and Faith in so many ways, and touched so many people. I’m very privileged to have known him even for this short amount of time. I want to thank the Lord for the small opportunity I had, and the time that I spent getting to know Rich and vicariously the rest of his wonderful family. All of my thoughts and prayers go out to his dear family during this time.
Rich was the most positive person. He loved people. Whenever we saw him he always wanted to know about us and our family. I remember many late nights playing basketball with him at the Ward building. He was really good and he loved it. He never wanted to quit. He loved people the same way.
We love all the Hansen family. You have been wonderful friends forever.
Love,
Kim and Becky Porter
So sad for all of you. Joe & I have great memories of you both. Just so sorry. You have our love & prayers ❣️?
Always a joy to be around and work with. I will truly miss him.
I’m so saddened to hear of Richie Rich’s passing. My heart goes out to the family. A GREAT HUMAN BEING!!!!
Rich was a special person. I had the opportunity to stay with him and Angela in their home for a couple days last summer with my brother. Rich showed so much love to us, he took us out to eat and we talked about missionary work, and flying planes. He had a huge heart, he was a believer. I will miss him very much. ❤️
I’m so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers and thoughts. I know Rich will be missed by many.❤️
We were so shocked to hear of Rich’s passing. Our recollection is that we last saw Rich and Angela in the temple before we moved to Utah. How we remember his love for the temple and how often he attended with Angela. We rejoice in his love of his Savior, Jesus Christ who was the guiding light of his wonderful life. Angela, we love you and pray for comfort and peace to be with you always.
We are sad to hear of Rich’s death. He was always a such a joy to be around. He made life fun. I have so many fun memories while flying with Rich at Lake Powell Air, boating on Lake Powell and the occasional basketball or softball game. He would always reach out to me as a friend even after he left Skywest Airlines, and yes we did go to a movie once on a layover that I had in Phoenix. I appreciate his strong desire to live the gospel of Jesus Christ, and was a great example to me. We will never forget his smile, and so many great memories. We love you. I wish we could have come in person but I am having my own little health crisis right now and can’t travel.
Lew And Liz Bodkin
I don’t have words for how sad I am to hear about Rich passing. He did so much for me and my family, to make us feel loved and welcomed. He will be missed.
So sad to hear the passing of Rich. He was a wonderful father and husband. Our hearts go out to Angela and his children. We are saddened that we were out of town when he passed and could not attend his funeral. Rich will be missed by all that his like touched.
Dick and Nancy; so very sorry for your loss.
Renee and Richelle and Angela,
My heart is broken for you all my dear sweet friends. Even though Rich was in my ward, I especially loved seeing his smiling face when I worked for American Airlines. We both share a passion for flying! I also loved how he made me feel close to you Renée, my long time bestie, and to you Richelle and Angela. Cherished happy memories forever! All my love to you and your parents. Xoxo