Elden Keith Hansen, MD
1939 ~ 2008
With great sadness, we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, physician, and friend. Elden Keith Hansen died Saturday, May 10, 2008 at his home in Sandy, Utah.The son of Elden James Hansen and Elsie Louise Blackham, Keith was born on November 9, 1939 in Provo, Utah. He graduated from Murray High School in 1958, where he served as student body historian. While in high school, Keith excelled in both academics and athletics, competing in debate and football. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the West German Mission from 1960-1963. Upon his return, he continued his education at the University of Utah, receiving his B.A. in German in 1966. He then attended Temple University Medical School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, receiving his M.D. in 1972. He completed his medical training with a residency in OB/GYN at the University of Utah in 1976. During his professional career, Keith served as the Chief of Staff for Alta View Hospital and was later instrumental in the creation of the Alta View Women's Center. Keith was a loved and respected physician, always providing his patients with the highest degree of care. During his thirty-two years of practice, he delivered more than 10,000 babies.
Keith married his sweetheart and best friend, Edyth Ann Walton, on June 19, 1964, in the Salt Lake Temple. A devoted and faithful husband, he loves his wife with all his heart. Together they have six children and fifteen grandchildren. Keith loves his family dearly and dedicated his life to their happiness. His greatest joys were spending time with his family, particularly his grandchildren. He enjoyed BYU football and Jazz basketball with his family. He left for his children a legacy of love, learning, faith, kindness, and generosity. Keith was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in various capacities within the church. At the time of his passing, he was an instructor in the Oak Grove Ward High Priest Group.
Keith had a great love for the people of Germany, returning often to the country where he served as a missionary. His generous and kind nature earned him the love and respect of people everywhere. He was never afraid to stand up for the underdog and was always willing to share his time, talents, and resources to help those in need. He will be greatly missed.
Keith is survived by his wife, Edyth of Sandy; his six children, Kathy (Kenny) of Snowflake, AZ; Lora (Mat) of Houston, TX; Jodie of Sandy; Erik (Kristen) of Oakton, VA; Brad (Katie) of American Fork; and Keith (Mandy) of Las Vegas; fifteen grandchildren, and his sister, Gerry (Keith) Eskelsen of Murray. Preceded in death by his parents, and his nephew, Steve Eskelsen
Funeral services will be held at the Oak Grove Ward, 11570 S. Wasatch Blvd. on Thursday, May 15 at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday May 14, at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, from 6-8:00 p.m., as well as one hour prior to funeral services on Thursday at the Oak Grove building. Online condolences may be sent to www.larkincares.com
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Perpetual Education Fund or to Primary Children's Medical Center/Festival of Trees.