Robert "Bob" C. Hansen, Jr.

Robert Christian “Bob” Hansen, Jr., 81, passed away May 20, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona with his loving wife Patricia by his side, following surgery for an aneurysm.

Bob was born in Boston, Massachusetts on April 14, 1942 to Robert Christian Hansen, Sr., and Helen Button. Due to his Father’s military service in the US Navy, he lived in many locations in his youth in the US and the Philippines.

Bob served in the US Navy on the USS Helena, attended Everett Community College, graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Business Administration, and went on to a career in the insurance business. Following that Bob became a Commercial Real Estate Broker, working in Everett, Bellevue, Cle Elum and Ellensburg during his 45 years in the industry, most recently Hansen Real Estate & Investment Company.

Bob was also Executive Director of the Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce for a few years, with an instrumental role in the formation of The Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, uniting Upper and Lower counties into one entity. He was appreciated as a mentor to many people in the real estate business and Rotary.

In 1967 he married Shirley Houserman and they had 3 wonderful sons: Patrick, James, and Matthew; and raised them in Everett and Lake Cle Elum.

Bob was very active in community affairs.  In Everett he served as Scoutmaster of Troop  20 in Everett, taking his scouts on many backpacking hikes in the Cascade Mountains, inspiring and motivating them along the way. Bob also was deeply active in Search and Rescue in Snohomish County.  He served as Fire Chief in the Ronald Fire Department, President of the Kittitas County Realtors, Chairman of the WA State RPAC, First President and founding member of the Ellensburg  Afternoon Rotary, Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce and President  of the Kittitas County Fair Board.

In 1995, Bob married Patricia Masterson and they were together for 28 years of work, adventure and travel.

He loved riding his horse into the mountains with a packhorse to Lake Waptus, Little Joe Lake and others, enjoying camping and hunting. He was known for packing everything but the kitchen sink, including pots, pans, and lawn chairs hanging on the side of his packhorse.

Those who knew him would describe him as a driving force in everything in which he was involved.  He was always willing to tackle the issue at hand. Bob had a wonderful sense of humor and a great sense of adventure.

He is survived by his loving family including wife Patricia, sons Patrick Hansen (Susie), James Hansen (Bridgette), Matthew Hansen (Julie), and step-daughter Laura Masterson (Chris). Grandchildren: Marcus Masterson, Jackson Hansen, Jemma Hansen, Andrew Hansen, Catherine Hansen, and Caden Hansen. His dog, Lucy Lou, misses her “person”

Bob was a cherished and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Our lives have been enriched by his presence and he lives on in our fondest memories.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hotel Windrow Ballroom at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 5, 2023. Please join us and share your memories of a life well lived.

Memorials are suggested to the Ellensburg Afternoon Rotary, P.O.Box 435, Ellensburg,  WA, 98926, Attn Mary Young Ness.

Local arrangements are under the care of Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg.  Online condolences may be left at www.johnston-williams.com

PLEASE NOTE: (January 11, 2024) -- The recording of this service has been archived and removed from our server.  If you wish to obtain a copy of this recording on a thumb drive, please contact our office.