Robert Hanson

Robert Cresswell Hanson, 88, retired Carpenter with the local Carpenters Union #317, died Thursday, October 27, 2011 at Karr House in Hoquiam following a brief illness. Robert was born on May 4, 1923 in Roundup, Montana to John and Cecilia (Riemann) Curdy. When he was 7, his family moved to the Wishkah Valley in Aberdeen, WA. Later the family moved to Republic, WA where he graduated from Republic High School in 1941. When he was younger, Robert's parents divorced and his mother married Orville (Spike) Hanson. After graduation, Robert changed his name from Curdy to Hanson. He then moved back to The Harbor and worked for Bonneville Power in Raymond and then for Boeing in Seattle. In 1943, he joined the 9th Army Air Corps, trained as a mechanic and was sent to Europe where he worked on P-38 Lightning’s. He was Honorably Discharged in 1945 and went to school at Cal-Aero Technical School of Aviation in Los Angeles, CA and received a Master Aviation Mechanics License. He returned to The Harbor and worked on the construction of Moon Island and then as a carpenter for many companies on the harbor including, Andy Johnson Const., Lamb Const., Fogde and Jensen, Frank Franciscovich and Jack Root Construction just before retirement. On August 8, 1948, Robert married Ruth Paasila in Aberdeen. They were married 58 years when Ruth passed away in 2007. After Ruth’s passing, Bob spent a lot of time at the Aberdeen Senior Center, where he enjoyed playing pool. Robert enjoyed flying and had built his own plane “Corbin Baby Ace 'C'” in his garage. He took it out to Bowerman Field and assembled it and flew it for many years. Today it hangs overhead at the Auburn Super Mall. He also liked to hunt, fish, travel, camp, and loved being with his grand-kids. Robert was a member of The Carpenters Union #317, Life member of the Eagles and also of VFW, was a charter member of REAC, U.F.K.B. & S. LODGE #9, and a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. Robert is survived by; daughter, Jean and husband Dan Dugas of Montesano and granddaughter Kristin and great grandchildren: Ayla and Annika. And granddaughter Tracy; his son John and his wife Austin Hanson of Aberdeen and grandchildren: Amanda, Brita and Emily; and many nieces and nephews. Robert was preceded in death by a sister, Leola J. Burgess, his parents, wife Ruth, and a ½ brother, Patrick Curdy. There will be a time of visitation and viewing on Thursday, November 3rd from 1 to 9 PM in Fern Hill Funeral Home. The Funeral services will take place on Friday at 1 PM in Fern Hill Funeral Home's Chapel. A reception will follow AT the Aberdeen Museum. Private interment will take place at Fern Hill Cemetery, Aberdeen. Memorial donations may be made to UFKB&S Lodge #9, Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 546, Montesano, WA 98563 or the Aberdeen Museum of History. A card of condolence r of a memory can be left at www.fernhillfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen.