Bill Hanson

With a warm smile, quick wit, and generous heart, Bill Hanson lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Bill was a great listener and creative thinker who embraced each moment as a gift and every person as a friend. He was honest and kind and grateful for life's many blessings. Whether solving a complex problem, sharing a quiet moment with his favorite feline companion, encouraging his children and grandchildren, or traveling with Kay, Bill lived each moment to the fullest. Cherished by many, Bill will long be remembered and ever so missed.

1945 was a year marked by much celebration and hope. With the victorious end of World War II, families tuned into the celebratory tunes of Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and the Andrews Sisters. At the same time, children delighted in the debut of the slinky. Nowhere was there greater promise for the future than in the hearts and home of Curtis M. and Lucille K. (Garnsey) Hanson as they welcomed their son, Bill on January 14, in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Though Bill's family moved around a little bit, they settled in Kalamazoo when he was about five. His mother was a nurse, and his dad was an orthopedic surgeon. An only child, Bill’s parents taught him to have a sense of humor and to be honest and straightforward. These qualities helped him learn many interesting things and, most importantly, meet many wonderful people, many of whom he loved dearly.

Bill's early years included attending Hillcrest Elementary School, South Junior High School, and Loy Norrix High School, the new high school in town. A proud member of Boy Scout Troop 5, In 1961, Bill earned the Eagle Scout award, which is the highest achievement in the Boy Scouts of America. Bill enjoyed the variety of experiences the award provided and embodied the twelve characteristics of an Eagle Scout his entire life; he was trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.

A graduate of Loy Norrix's class of 1963, Bill continued his education at Western Michigan University. After earning his bachelor's degree and completing ROTC at WMU, Bill was stationed as a US Army finance officer Captain at Fort Lewis, Washington, during the Vietnam conflict.

After returning home in 1969 from the service, Bill began his business career, starting with First National Bank of Michigan. Over the years, his career included working for The Kalamazoo County Prosecutors Office, Clark Equipment Company, and The Computer Room. He earned his Master of Business Administration degree from WMU in 1978 and helped found a company that eventually became Secant Technologies, from which he retired.

While participating in the Interaction get-togethers at Peoples Church, Bill had the good fortune of meeting Kay Davidson. The pair found that they were complementary in games of Trivial Pursuit, each one filling in the gaps of the other's knowledge. They also shared a love for travel, cats, and Ballroom Dancing. Most importantly, Bill was moved by Kay's kindness and generosity. Bill was honored to marry Kay, the love of his life, on June 7, 1991, and to be so warmly welcomed by her family, especially her sons, Mike and Thom, whom he embraced as his own children.

Bill found it interesting that he became even more curious as he grew older, and he and Kay enjoyed traveling, experiencing, and witnessing as much as they could. They particularly enjoyed trips on the Delta Queen Steamboat on the Mississippi River and many of its tributaries. The United States National Parks were of notable interest as were many U.S. Civil War points of interest. They also joined the Portage Zhang Senior Center's extended bus trips, meeting wonderful local people and often traveling with the same friends. They very much enjoyed the mystery trips, where they were told only the duration of the trip and what weather to plan for; terrific fun.

An active member of St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church in Kalamazoo, Bill served on the Vestry and other committees and was most effective performing short-term ministries relating to building and grounds. Bill was very open-minded and accepting, never raised his voice, was slow to anger, and didn't show his disappointment. A good man and fine example, Bill mentored many formally and informally. He delighted in being a grandfather and loved to teach his grandkids. He proudly attended all their special events, cheering them on at every turn.

A self-admitted gadget freak, Bill enjoyed computers and new technologies and welcomed opportunities to solve day-to-day problems with cross-disciplinary solutions.

With abundant laughter, curiosity, and kindness, Bill lived a wholehearted life that touched, moved, and inspired all who were lucky to know him. As we celebrate Bill's beautiful life, may we find comfort in our many treasured memories and in the honor of carrying his legacy of faith, hope, and love forward. In each moment we listen with compassion, confidently meet life's challenges, relish the blessings of family and friends, and welcome the day's adventures, we keep Bill's memory and spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Bill Curtis Hanson, of Portage, age 79, died peacefully on March 3, 2024, at his home with his family at his side. Members of his family include his beloved wife, Kay Hanson; stepsons, Michael (Christine) Davidson and Thom (Heather) Davidson; 4 grandchildren: Travis (Danielle) Davidson, Clay (Tracy) Davidson, Brennan Davidson, and Mikenna Davidson; and 2 great-grandchildren, Kyler and Ryder Davidson. Cremation will take place. Services will be held Saturday (MAR 9) 11 AM at St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church, followed by a reception. Private burial will take place at Ft. Custer National Cemetery. Visit Bill's webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories, photos, and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Martin of Tours Episcopal Church or Kalamazoo Animal Rescue. Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 (269) 375-2900.