Obituary: Hansen, Victor Ross
Age 82
Victor died of leukemia at home with his family surrounding him with love.
He was 82 years of age.
Victor Hansen was born in Spokane, Washington on July 31, 1932.
He was the youngest son of six children born to Vesta E. Alexander and Bernard M. Hansen.
Victor was the grandson of Elmer and Bertie Alexander, who were early Spokane pioneers and whose homestead is now the Felts Field Airport.
Victor attended West Valley High School, graduating in 1950.
The Army drafted him for service in the Korean War, where he served as a train engineer from 1951 - 1953.
Before and after military service, Victor, like his father, worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad, and shared the family passion for flying.
He earned his commercial pilot’s license and was hired by Pan American Airlines in 1954.
He was stationed in New York City, where he flew various European routes.
In 1961 he was hired by United Airlines, and was stationed in both San Francisco and Seattle.
During his flying career, Victor received special recognition from United Airlines for outstanding airmanship during high stress and difficult conditions which resulted in saving lives.
In 2009, he was awarded the Wright Brothers Masters Award (FAA) for 50 years of safe flying.
Victor retired from United Airlines in 1992, eventually settling back in Spokane, Washington.
Victor was active in the Quiet Birdsmen (QB), a distinguished organization for accomplished pilots.
His favorite time was spent in his hanger at Felts Field where his love of aviation led him to restore numerous antique airplanes.
His specialty was L19/01 Bird Dogs, of which he restored many, even having a side business called Bird Dog Aircraft Supplies.
He also restored an Alexander Eagle Rock, similar to the one his father had owned, which is on display in the terminal at the Seattle/Tacoma International Airport today.
Victor was married to Peggy Harmon and they raised three children: Daniel (Kathy) Hansen of Spokane, Betty Jean Hansen of Spokane, and Ross (Diane) Hansen of Auburn, WA.
Grandchildren include: Amy and Nathan Clark, Erin and Chris Betts, Emily and Matt Castillo, Alicia and Shane Thompson, David Sanguinetti and Megan Keely, Cody and Amber Sanguinetti and Cortney Hansen/Sage.
Victor leaves seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Victor is also survived by one brother, Harold (Ruth) Hansen, former wives Peggy Winegardner and Beverly Hansen, and Beverly’s children: Tom Sutton and family, and Carolyn (Rick) Velasco and their children Jessica Velasco, Brad (Liz) Velasco, and Daniel (Shannon) Velasco.
Captain Hansen will be interred at Fairmount Memorial Park with other members of his family.
A memorial service will be held this spring at Felts Field Airport.
Arrangements are being made by Community Crematory and Funeral Services.
Remembrances may be sent to Hospice of Spokane.