David B. Hanson

David B. Hanson, loving husband and father, passed away quietly on Saturday, May 3, 2008 in Chico with family by his side. He had long suffered with respiratory disease.

David was born on September 1, 1931 in Long Beach, CA to O.E. and Lena Mae Hanson.

He was raised in Southern California, attending Anaheim High School and Whittier College. A Veteran of the U.S. Navy, David graduated from Officer's Candidate School and then served on the USS Yorktown (CVA-10). In 1954 he married Joyce in Santa Ana, CA and they settled in Orange County. For 30 years David was a high school social studies teacher for the Huntington Beach District; teaching at Huntington Beach, Marina and Edison High Schools. During the summers and after his retirement he also worked for the California State Parks Department as a ranger and park aide.

In 1987 David and Joyce moved to the Chico area. For the next 20 years they enjoyed their retirement, traveling and enjoying their family and friends. David was an avid reader, especially history and other non-fiction. He enjoyed a lively discussion and was an agile conversationalist. As a younger man he enjoyed the outdoors, introducing his children to camping, skiing and marksmanship. 

David is survived by Joyce, his wife of 53 years, and children Suzanne of Chico, Donald of Eugene, OR and Mary Mitchell of Corning.  David took pride and joy in his five grandchildren:  Erin and Elliot of Eugene, OR, and Katlyn, Karissa and Reilly of Corning.

A memorial graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 9, 2008, at Glen Oaks Memorial Park in Chico. A gathering and meal will be held after the service at Faith Lutheran Church on East 1^st Ave. in Chico.