SPU's Bud Hansen Dead at 79

Bernard E. “Bud” Hansen (79), one of Seattle Pacific University’s dearest friends, was struck by a car May 2 while out walking. He died a few hours later at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center, with family and friends gathered around. A memorial service in celebration of his life was held at Seattle First Free Methodist Church Friday, May 11 at 2 p.m.

Hansen filled his years with Christian service, passion and distinction. A member of the Seattle Pacific University (SPU) Class of 1950, he had a successful career as a teacher, principal and director of elementary education in the Shoreline (Washington) School District.

“Whether serving God, his family, the church, thousands of local schoolchildren or his alma mater, Bud freely gave of his time and talents to try to make a real difference in the world around him,” says Philip W. Eaton, SPU president. The results are visible. “What a warm, supportive, always-positive presence he has been in the life of this community for so many years. We will truly miss him.

“Certainly, the impact of his dedication to and passion for the mission and vision of Seattle Pacific University cannot be overstated,” adds Eaton. Hansen faithfully served the university as a member of the board of trustees for 33 years (the longest term ever) — 15 of those years as secretary — and worked with great enthusiasm as president of the SPU Alumni Association. Together with his wife of 57 years, Ruth Denison Hansen, also a member of SPU’s Class of 1950 (they met in the library and were married shortly after graduation), Hansen organized countless memorable alumni weekends at Camp Casey, and helped lead many of the major events and initiatives in the life of the university. He also served as chair of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the Free Methodist Church Board of Administration, and for four years on the denominational Board of Administration. Warm Beach Camp (Stanwood, WA) received his care and devotion as well; he served on the facility’s board for 15 years.

Ruth, too, has been a vital and beloved part of SPU. Before her retirement in 1991, she supervised teaching interns in the School of Education for 25 years. Bud and Ruth have four children, all of whom are Seattle Pacific alumni: Lynne Hansen Hall ’76, who works in the SPU Office of University Advancement; Jill Hansen Barrett ’78; Dirk Hansen ’80; and Sue Hansen McPeak ’82. Granddaughter Ashley Barrett ’06 works in the Office of Annual Giving at SPU, and granddaughter Allison Hall is a freshman at SPU.

Hansen is survived by his loving wife Ruth, son Dirk (wife Allison and children Callum and Bronwyn), daughters Lynne (husband Ken, children Chris, Jeff and Allie), Jill (husband Mark, children Ashley, Joel, Megan and Andrew) and Sue (Bryan), sister Louise Archer, brother Herbert Hansen (Joybelle) and sister-in-law Ellen Hansen. He was preceded in death by his older brother Will.