John K. Hansen
Longtime Lafayette dentist John K. Hansen passed away at his home in Moraga on Sunday, August 28, 2011. Jack, as he was known to his friends, was born in Salt Lake City on July 26, 1924. His family moved to Oakland in 1927 where he attended public schools, graduating from Oakland High School in 1942. Jack entered UC Berkeley that fall and pledged Phi Kappa Sigma. He joined the Navy while a student at Berkeley and often said it was one of the best decisions he ever made. In 1947 he graduated from the UCSF College of Dentistry. Jack practiced dentistry in San Francisco and Berkeley before being called to active duty in the Dental Corps. During this time he married Joanne Breeze. They were stationed in San Diego while he was on active duty from 1951 to 1953. Their first child, Eric, was born in San Diego. Jack remained in the Naval Reserve for twenty years, achieving the rank of Captain. The young family settled into the East Bay, first in Orinda and then Lafayette. Jack set up his office on Moraga Road in Lafayette, where he practiced for 27 years. His family grew by two daughters, Christy and Janie. In 1976 he married for the second time to Margaret Mason Smith. The marriage was a love story that was to last for 35 happy years. With the marriage, he also gained two wonderful step-children, Lisa and Greg. He and his wife, Margie, traveled the world, making new friends wherever they went. Anyone who knew Jack Hansen, affectionately known as Happy Jack, knew that his family and friends were the most important thing in the world to him. He made friends easily, and then kept them for life. He continued to see his dear friends, many of whom he had known for more than 75 years, at weekly Friday lunches. A lifelong outdoorsman, fisherman, hunter, tennis player, and golfer; Jack loved his life. He was also extremely proud of his children and the eleven grandchildren that he and Marg shared. His friends always knew that they would have to hear a few minutes of bragging whenever they saw him. Jack was also active in his community. He was the founding president of the Lafayette Historical Society, and a past president of the Lafayette Rotary Club, where he was a Paul Harris Fellow and an Honorary Member. Jack was also active in Sons in Retirement for many years. He and his wife were members of the Moraga Country Club. John Keddington Hansen was predeceased by his parents, Faye and Lester Hansen, and by his son, Eric K. Hansen. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Margie. He leaves his daughter, Christy Eiland, her husband Ben, their daughters Nicole and Katrina; daughter, Janie Schuelke, and children, Kristen, Jenna and Erik; his son's children, Paige, Dana, and John K. Hansen II, their mother Anita Hansen-Mittelstaedt and step-father, Bob. He leaves his step-children, Lisa Smith and daughter Lili, and Greg Smith and wife Valerie, and children Nate, and Isabella. Jack hoped that his friends and beloved family would join together to celebrate his long, happy life. There will be a gathering on Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 3 - 5 PM at the Soda Center at Saint Mary's College. It will commemorate the life of one of the true good guys, Jack Hansen. His love and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by so many. But we will all cherish our memories of the fun, the love and the joy we shared with our husband, father, grandpa, and friend.