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Neil Hansen
Born: 11/21/1948
Died: 2/12/2021
Age: 72
Community: Anthem, AZ formerly of Swartz Creek and Stanton, MI
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NEIL E HANSEN
Hansen, Neil E (11-21-48 – 2-12-2021) Neil passed away peacefully at his home in Anthem, AZ with his daughter, Heather, and loving partner of 34 years, Pam, at his side. He was 72.
Neil was born on November 21, 1948 in Greenville, MI to the late Alf Forest Hansen and the late Wilma E Hansen (McAllister.) He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Heather Below, and three grandsons, Jackson, Greyson and Colson Below Peoria, IL; his extended family, Pam Bookwalter, childhood friend reconnecting later in life to become loving partners through 34 years; her daughter, Shaleigh Kok, and grandchildren, Cameryn and Preston Kok, Cave Creek, AZ. He is also survived by his sisters, Sandra Lohman and Onilee Mills, nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra Hansen (Sly) whom he married in 1970 and infant daughter, Christine Rene, in 1976.
Neil was the youngest Eagle Scout in Michigan when he received his award in 1963, graduated from Central Montcalm High School in Stanton, MI in 1966 and received his degree from the Flint Institute of Barbering in 1967. As a new student he was recognized by staff as having great potential for a 17 year old…. very eager to learn, able to grasp instructions easily, had a winning smile when working with the public, his artistic ability handling hair surpassed other students and saw great potential to succeed in either barbering or becoming a barber instructor. They admired his integrity, honesty and perfection in his work. He was exceptionally kind and caring to his patrons and gave them professional service even at his young age. This resulted in a job offer to become an instructor at the college in 1979, after working in Lansing at Sigourney and Jones, an upscale styling salon, where he traveled around the US educating and demonstrating the art of hair cutting and styling at large professional events. Neil was a proud US Army Veteran and was honorably discharged after service as a paratrooper with the 1st Battalion 325th Infantry 82nd Airborne Division from 1967-1969, where he attained the ranking of Sergeant and served as an Infantry squad leader. In 2005 he moved to Arizona with Pam, and in 2007 worked with the State Board of Barbers to establish a barber college in a CCA Prison at the Red Rock Correctional Center in Eloy, AZ. It was a major undertaking and required countless hours of planning, constructing, interviewing inmates and overcoming a lot of red tape. After graduating the first class of 10 students, Neil received a commendation letter from the warden for developing a successful barber college program using the traits that he brought with him… integrity, respect, trust and loyalty. He also thanked him for all his hard work, dedication, and passion to teach that affected many lives, both inmates and staff. He treasured his folder full of thank you notes, letters and calls from students sharing their stories after leaving the prison and using their new skills to better their lives. He was truly the consummate teacher to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Neil was not only a very gifted teacher but also a counselor with a healing touch, both verbal as well as physical.
Anyone who knew Neil knows that he loved to talk, could strike up conversations with complete strangers and share at length; but he was also a very good listener. He was a perpetual student, always reading, seeking knowledge and was a serious student of the art of Aikido and Yoga. It was not unusual to walk into a room and find him standing on his head. His heart was filled with compassion, wisdom, selflessness and a very strong faith. Neil was a loving father, proud “Gramp”, devoted partner, and a trusted and loyal friend. He was an avid outdoorsman with a passion for traditional archery, sporting firearms, hunting, fishing, camping in his tipi, golfing, and a very special interest in Native American culture which allowed him to meet and develop close friendships with men in Fort Apache, AZ. Our Neil will be dearly missed and in our hearts forever.
In his words “It’s All Good!” A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at a later date in Michigan. The family thanks Hospice of the West for their support and special care. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Neil’s name to First Congregational Church, 305 N Camburn, Stanton, MI; or Wounded Warrior Project: support.woundedwarriorproject.org
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2/27/2021 |
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| A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor at a later date in Michigan. |
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