After a years-long struggle with Alzheimer's Disease, John Hanson passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 5, surrounded by his three children, with his favorite music playing. He is absent from the body, but present with the Lord.

John was born in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Robert and Florence Hanson on July 29, 1946. He was the firstborn of six siblings and had three brothers and two sisters. In 1956 the family moved from the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest, settling in Federal Way, Washington.

John graduated from Federal Way High School in 1964, then attended Emmaus Bible College in Chicago, Illinois. He came home the following year and attended the University of Washington for three years before returning to Emmaus Bible College and graduating in 1972. He continued his education at the University of Puget Sound, earning a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He began his career working as the Assistant Administrator of Riverton General Hospital before taking the Administrator position at Centralia General Hospital a few years later. He also headed up Assured Home Health and Hospice for several years. In 2013 he retired from the Department of Social and Health Services after eight years of working to support rural clinics.

A naturally gifted singer, John loved music, especially jazz. In his younger years he was a member of a singing quartet. In Olympia he frequently sang and performed with his musician friends at Unity Church. In Anacortes, one of his favorite activities was attending the "Jazz at the Library" monthly performances. After he lost the ability to speak words consistently, he was still able to sing along with songs from his past. Even in the late stages of his disease, he could still hum perfect harmony to his favorite songs.

John volunteered his time with church youth groups for most of his life. In the late 70s and early 80s, he worked with the youth at Des Moines Gospel Chapel. In Olympia, he volunteered as a leader with the youth group at Unity Church. Even in Anacortes, as he struggled with Alzheimer's, he served the youth group at Anacortes Christian Church.

He also had a deep desire to help people through health care services, especially with death and dying. John completed hours of coursework and training, including a master's degree, related to hospice care and spiritual counseling. He spent many hours working as a chaplain intern and hospice volunteer in Olympia.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind three children: Nathan (Gretchen) of Anacortes, WA; David (Melissa) of New York, NY; and Ashleigh Laub (Jason) of Concord, CA. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Luke, Logan, and Nora, as well as five siblings and many other family members and friends.

He was a loving father, a caring brother, a loyal friend, and a man of faith with a big heart. We will miss him dearly. Because of his faith and trust in Jesus, we also look forward with joy and hope to a glorious reunion with him someday.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 2, at Anacortes Christian Church.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).