Thorvald Eric Hansen

Thorvald Eric Hansen, 79, passed away on Dec. 8, 2013 after a lengthy struggle with a traumatic brain injury. Eric was raised in San Francisco, CA. before relocating to attend the University of Idaho. His studies were cut short in 1957 when he was drafted into the Army. He spent most of his two enlisted years serving in Germany. After his discharge in 1959, he was hired by Lockheed Air Terminal and worked at San Francisco International Airport. In 1960, he married the love of his life, Margaret. Lockheed transferred the new family to Phoenix where he worked the next 22 years. His final years with Lockheed were spent in Ontario, CA. and he would commute home to Phoenix on the weekends. After Lockheed, Eric spent several of his retirement years working part time at gun ranges and volunteering countless hours to the causes that moved him, including St. Mary’s Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul and the Tempe Police Department. Eric worked with the Mounted Police and cared for “his horses” each morning with joy and a loving hand. Eric had an enduring love for his family, friends, and animals. He enjoyed the outdoors and could be found fishing, hunting, camping, or RVing in the summer. He rounded out his hobbies with cooking and music, much to the delight of his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 53 years (Margaret), three sons (Tom, Mark (Deanna) and Chris (Kim) and a large devoted family including 7 grandkids: Michael, Meghan, Maggie, Rhena, Alison, Emily and Kristen. Thank you for all your love and support these past difficult months. A special thank you to Sylvia, for her excellent care and love for Eric during this time. There will be a Visitation Thursday December 12th 5-8 p.m. at Carr-Tenney Mortuary, 2621 S. Rural Rd. Tempe. The Funeral Mass will be Friday, December 13th 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church 2121 S. Rural Rd. Tempe. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Brain Injury Association of Ariozona, Hospice of the Valley, or St. Vincent de Paul, Mount Carmel.