Wiley F. Hansen, 97, Salt Lake businessman and sportsman, died December 1, 2000.
He was born July 19, 1903 in Riverton, UT to John and Marina Nichols Hansen. Married Leone Mae Collingham in Price, UT May 25, 1929. Leone died June 9, 1980.
Wiley was educated in Riverton schools, graduated from Jordan High School, LDS Jr. College and Henegars Business College. He served an LDS mission to the Northwestern States and sang with the Lucy Gates Opera Company in the late 1920's. He was manager for Eldridge Publishing Company in Denver, CO from 1929-1946. Wiley and his wife, Leone, purchased the Salt Lake Costume Company in 1946. The company was later sold and they established the Hansen Plays & Novelty Company, which they operated until their retirement in 1966. After retiring he enjoyed his hobbies, gardening and sports. Wiley claims to have kicked rocks in every major fishing stream from the Chama in New Mexico, to the Kantaloops in Canada.
Wiley was pleasant, generous to a fault and was genuinely appreciative of service rendered to him by family and friends. He always had a smile and was a pleasure to be around.
Survived by a niece, Barbara E. Shomaker, Riverton; and nephew, J. J. Sorensen, Denver, CO. Preceded in death by sisters, Mary H. Egbert, Lola Sorensen; and brother, Dr. John Irving Hansen.
Graveside services will be held Tuesday Dec. 5, 2000, 1 p.m. in the Riverton City Cemetery, 13200 S. 1500 West.