In Memory

Richard Hanson (Teacher, Choir, Band & Music)

Richard C. Hansen


1923 - 2015 | Obituary |  Condolences |  Gallery

Richard C. Hansen
Mar. 5, 1923 - Sept. 5, 2015
Formerly of Walnut Creek
Richard C. Hansen, 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 5, 2015, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Richard was born on March 5, 1923 to Peter and Adelaide (Edith) Hansen. Born and raised in San Francisco, he attended Mission High School. He started UC Berkeley, only to be interrupted by WWII. During his three years in the Army Air Corps, he trained as an x-ray technician. Dick returned to Cal in 1946, now married to his beloved Betty, and completed his undergraduate degree and teaching credential in music.
In 1948, Dick began his 35-year teaching career at Amador County High School in Sutter Creek. He and Betty moved to Pleasant Hill in 1951 when he was hired as the music teacher at Acalanes High School. He built the choral music program there, and inspired many students during his long tenure. He moved to Director of Student Activities, then to Principal and finally to the District Office before retiring in 1983.
Upon retirement, he and Betty traveled extensively, bowled with the Danville Senior League, attended concerts, plays and musicals, and loved to babysit their grandchildren.
After Dick's stroke in 2008, he and Betty moved to the Commons of Elk Grove. There they met and enjoyed activities with new and true friends. Dick's wife Betty preceded him in death in December 2013.
Dick is survived by his daughter Kathryn (Tim) Smith, his daughter Susan (Doug) Bartsch; his grandchildren Wendy (Jason) Youngsmith, Devin (Amy) Smith, Nick (Jenn) Bartsch, Stephanie Bartsch, Whitney (Alan) McFarlane; and great-grandchildren Olive and Maggie Youngsmith, and Carter and Hunter Bartsch.
Services will be held on Friday, September 18, 2015, 11:30 am, Oakmont Memorial Park, Redwood Chapel, 2099 Reliez Valley Road, Lafayette. Donations may be made to: Acalanes Union High School District - Richard C. Hansen Music Scholarship 1212 Pleasant Hill Road Lafayette, CA 94549 OR Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, In memory of Richard Hansen, P.O. Box 3087, Walnut Creek, CA 94598-0087

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/contracostatimes/obituary.aspx?pid=175794010#sthash.avBa32cg.dpuf