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HANSON, Harlan Bert – Passed away peacefully on February 14, 2012 at the age of 76, just 2 days shy of 77. Harlan was born in Milton, North Dakota February 16, 1935, and moved to Seattle, Washington with his parents at age 8. He graduated from West Seattle High in 1953, joined the U.S. Army in 1955 during the Korean War for two years. Harlan graduated from the University Of Washington State with a B.S. degree in Business Administration Accounting and Finance June 13, 1959. On that same day, Harlan married Monica. Harlan died in Universal City, Texas after a 12 year struggle with cancer. He was loved by his wife Monica Hanson of 52 years and three children, Eric Hanson and wife Cindi of Chandler, Arizona, Todd Hanson and wife Kimberly of Atascocita, Texas, and daughter Lynn Hanson Kreiss of San Antonio, Texas. He is also survived by grandchildren Trel Kreiss, Parker D. Hanson, and two step-grandchildren Morgan Pfeil and Dillon Todd. Harlan is also survived by two half sisters Iva L. Sunderland, of Fargo, North Dakota and Helen C. Ratliff of Kent, Washington and his sister Carol L. Matson and Eldred Matson of Kent, Washington. He was preceded in death by his father Henry B. Hanson, his mother Alice J. Strand Hanson and his brother's Douglas T. Hanson and Philip Dean Hanson. Harlan worked for Stokes & Company accounting firm for 3 years. Harlan moved to Santa Rosa, California in July 1962 with his wife Monica and two boys Eric and Todd. Harlan worked for Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc. for 6 years. In 1968 he went to work for National Controls Scale Co. and served as President until 1981. Harlan than opened his own business called Total Scale Systems, Inc. until he closed it February 8, 1999. He served as a director of the Santa Rosa Boys and Girl Club. He served 6 years on the Board of Public Utilities. He was a Certified Public Accountant and worked in the private industry as chief financial officer and as President, and as a consultant with the Small Business Administration. He had been a member of the Rotary Club and member of Wikiup Tennis Club. He stayed busy in his retirement, worked for Hertz Rent-A-Car as a "Hiker" from 2000 to 2009 and continued to do taxes for H&R Block and AARP until 2010. Harlan was an avid sports fan and coached little league and Babe Ruth Baseball. Harlan was lucky to travel the world, and he enjoyed bowling, golf and tennis and was an avid reader. But his biggest love was fishing. If Harlan had a hook in the water, he was happy. After living in beautiful Santa Rosa, California for 47 years, on April 1, 2009 Harlan moved with his wife Monica to San Antonio, Texas to be closer to their daughter Lynn Hanson Kreiss and grandson Trel Kreiss and son Todd Hanson and his family in Atascocita, Texas. Son Eric and wife Cindi still live in Chandler, Arizona. Harlan and Monica bought a home in Universal City, Texas just 8 miles from their daughter Lynn. He was very happy to live in Texas and was very moved by the patriotism here. Harlan will be remembered most for his incredible sense of humor. If you had the opportunity to know Harlan, then your life was undoubtedly enriched for having known him. Upon request there will be no memorial services. Harlan will be cremated and the family will hold a private service at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support the amazing people at Hope Hospice, www.hopehospice.net, 800 499-7501.

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Harlan Bert Hanson

February 16, 1935 - February 14, 2012