Douglas C. Hansen

Douglas C. Hansen died on Dec. 17, 2003, in Carmichael, Calif., after a short hospitalization.

The oldest of three sons, he was born in Bellingham on April 10, 1917, to Roy and Ruth Hansen.

A 1934 Fairhaven High School graduate, his “speedy legs” helped him win numerous track events, and he was named Whatcom County’s fastest man in 1934.

Working his way through college with summer jobs in the Alaskan fish canning industry, he graduated from the University of Washington with a business and accounting degree in 1940.

Prior to World War II, he entered public service with the federal Food and Drug Administration.

During the war, he was a PT boat skipper in the South Pacific and was awarded the Purple Heart.

Returning to federal service, he retired in 1980 after 38 years with a final assignment as EPA’s Region X Director of the Division of Air & Hazardous Materials in Seattle.

He was recognized numerous times for his public service, including an appointment to the Senior Executive Service, and in 1978, the Distinguished Career Award.

He and his first wife Marian Hancock, and their five children were longtime Bainbridge Island residents. His 53-year marriage to Marian ended with her death in 1993.

In retirement, he spent time hiking and prospecting in the mountains, beach walking with his golden retriever, Mia, and traveling around the world.

After a whirlwind courtship in 1994, he married his former college sweetheart, Josephine Clarke, and joined her in California. Up until the week he was hospitalized, he continued daily walks, traveling, and sharing life with her.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marian, and daughter, Judith Ross.

He is survived by his wife, Josephine Clarke Hansen of Carmichael, Calif.; daughters Susan Bossert and Sally (Richard) Pedowitz of Seattle; sons Douglas Jr. (Beverlee) and Jim of Silverdale; brothers Joseph (Barbara) of Anacortes and Al (Bess) of Bellingham; and six grand and great-grand children.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Feb. 28 at Jones-Moles Funeral Home, 2465 Lakeway Drive, Bellingham.

Memorials can be made to Washington’s National Park Fund, 117 South Main Street, Seattle, WA 98104 (www.wnpf.org), or a charity of the donor’s choice.