Donald L. Hanson (known as “Waldo” to his buddies), 78, a resident of Whittier, California, passed away Wednesday, April 4, 2018, of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer.

Don was born to Cletis and Martha (May) Hanson in Forest Grove, Oregon, on February 11, 1940. After 1st grade, his family moved to Fairview, Oregon where Don attended first grade at Fairview school, a two-room country school. The family moved back to Forest Grove. It was there that he completed grammar school and met his life-long buddies. He graduated from Forest Grove Union High School, 1958. While a senior he set a Willamette Relays discus record that remained until the 1970’s. He remained in Forest Grove where he attended Pacific University and Portland State.

Don worked as a paperboy while attending grade school, and during his high school years as a “farm hand” for Gene Vandehey. After graduating high school he drove oil truck for a local heating oil company. He was employed as a plant clerk with Swift & Co. Ag Chem North Portland plant in 1961.

In 1962 Don married his sweetheart, Jackie (Cookie) Van Dyke. He loved his family ; was a very proud Papa, wonderful husband to Jackie and was so very proud of his kids. He was a friend to many.

They resided in Portland, Oregon, until a transfer to Swift & Company’s Los Angeles, California, plant was offered in 1963. They resided in Bell, California. While there, their first child was born in 1964. In 1965, Don accepted a transfer back to the North Portland. They settled in Hillsboro where their second and third children were born. In 1970 he was given an operations management position at the Los Angeles plant. The family moved to Whittier, California, where Jackie remains in the home that they have lived in for nearly 48 years. Don switched from operations to marketing management where he was until retirement. Don was a very loyal employee, and a knowledgeable and fair boss. He was a well-respected member of the ag-chem industry and loved his work. He continued with the company for 38 years as it cycled through various name changes and buy outs.

Don was a member of St. Bruno Catholic Church. He served as Minister of Holy Communion until a devasting stroke in 2006 made him unable to continue. Don was a member of the school board that drew up the school mission statement. He was also very active with the parish carnival, having served as Chairperson and many years as booth captain.

Don is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jackie; Son Robert (Mary) of Longbranch, WA; Daughter Kristin (Peter) Rodriguez of Yorba Linda, CA; Son Michael (Jenny) Hanson of Las Vegas, NV. Sister Rita (Darel) Glatt; Brother Richard (Joy) Hanson. Grandchildren: Courtney Hanson, Brianna (Barry) Palmer and Jess Hanson; Anthony and Pete Rodriguez; Tyler and Madison Hanson, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Bruno Church, Whittier, on April 11, 2018, at 11:00 am; Interment will be at Visitation Cemetery, Forest Grove, OR. Date to be announced

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Don’s Memory to: Visitation Church New School Building Fund; 4285 NW Visitation Rd, Forest Grove, OR 97116