Robert C. "Bob" Hansen, 74, passed away February 23, 2002 at the Kolob Regional Care Center in Cedar City, Utah.
He was born May 4, 1927 to Arendell Kelsch and Lorena Magleby Hansen in Richfield, Utah. He married his sweetheart, Ann Claire Bailey on Sept. 16, 1948 in the Manti Temple.
Bob graduated from Juab High School in Nephi, Utah. He served two years in the US Army Signal Corps during World War II and then attended University of Utah Pharmacy School, graduating in 1951. Bob and Ann moved with their two small children to Cedar City in 1953 to work for Mel and Leta Cowley in Cowley Drug, Cedar Drug and Drug Center. In 1965 he built his own professional pharmacy, Hansen Pharmacy, which he operated for 23 years until his retirement in 1988 due to declining health. Following his retirement, he volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce and at Valley View Medical Center where he was honored as a lifetime member of the volunteer auxiliary.
A High Priest in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bob served in various capacities, particularly enjoying his service as a stake missionary. He was a member of Cedar 7th Ward for 39 years. He served with his wife as an ordinance worker in the St. George Temple for four years.
Bob was very active in civic organizations and activities including: president of the Cedar City Jaycees and recipient of their Distinguished Service Award, president of Escalante Knife & Fork Club, chairman of Music Arts Assn., president Utah Shakespearean Guild, president of the Cedar City Chamber of Commerce, chairman of Iron County Republican Party, and a member of the Cedar City Council for two terms.
His activity in pharmaceutical organizations included Director and VP of Utah Pharmaceutical Assn., NARD (National Assn. Of Retail Druggists) committeeman, Fellow, American College of Apothecaries and owner of Utah's only pharmaceutical center. In 1975 he was the recipient of pharmacy's highest honor, BOWL OF HYGEIA award for outstanding service in community. In 1993, Bob was honored as Senior Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.
He and his wife, Ann, organized a Parkinson's Support Group which functioned for more than 10 years. Bob was an example of optimism and endurance regarding his illness and did all he could to help others with the disease. He read and studied much and was willing to submit to experimental techniques in the medical field to control his illness.
Bob is survived by his wife, Ann; five children, Heidi (David) Rindlisbacher, Canyon, Texas; Kelly (Francie), Layton, UT.; Todd (Sharon) Dallas, Texas; Drew (Penny), Gilbert, AZ.; Barry (Joni), Gilbert, AZ.; a brother, A.K. Hansen, M.D., Tucson, AZ. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.
The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the administrators, nurses, and aides at the Kolob Regional Care Center in Cedar City and the Utah Heritage Hospice for their loving care in Bob's behalf.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 27, 2002 at 11 a.m. at the Fiddlers Canyon Ward Chapel, 2015 Wedge Wood Lane. Friends may call Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Southern Utah Mortuary and Wednesday morning 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Cedar City Cemetery.