Donald Wayne Hansen of Langley passed away March 2, 2007, at Whidbey Island Manor, with his family at his side.

He was born in Marysville on Nov. 16, 1923, to Harry Hansen and Ada (Miner) Hansen. The family moved to Everett in 1935.

Don went to Longfellow School through sixth grade, then attended South Jr. and Everett High schools. He received his diploma after World War II, then continued his education at Everett Community College. He enjoyed saying he was a Washington native.

He was proud to serve his country during World War II. First he joined the National Guard at the age of 15; when he was 16, he joined the Army, he was in the 69th Infantry, 101st Division. He fought in three major battles in Europe: The Battle of the Rhine, Battle of Central Germany, and the Battle of the Bulge. He was discharged February 1946, bringing home many medals. He was awarded a medal for heroism after driving a truck under heavy enemy fire to rescue comrades behind enemy lines.

On Sept. 19, 1947, he married his one and only love, Lucille Bailey of Erskine, Minn. The marriage was in the Hansen family home. Don was a dedicated family man, his children always came first.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lucille; his children, Nancy (Bob) Hilse of Poulsbo, Bruce (Beckie) Hansen of Ocean Shores, Joy Austin of Everett, Susan (Les) Glidden of Marysville, and Roger (Diann) Hansen of Lake Stevens; grandchildren Randy, Rob, Trace, Dustin, Bailey, Brian, Angela, Tina, Dawn, Lori, Tara, Jamie, RaQuel, Allison and Holly; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Joyce Hereford of Everett; in-laws Jack and Oralee Bailey of Erskine, Minn, Jane Bailey of Laporte, Minn., and Sarah and Darrel Hartsack of Tenn.; and many relatives and friends.

He was a life member of V.F.W. Post No. 2100, joining in 1943. He was a life member of the Military Order of the Cooties (Past Seam Squirrel) Pup Tents, veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, the Fighting 69th Infantry Division, life member of Veterans of Underage Military Service (VUMS), the American Legion Post No. 141 of Langley, Sons of Norway, Senior Services of Island County. He was a volunteer of the Saratogo Fire Department, and volunteered at Good Cheer and Senior Thrift Store on Whidbey Island.

Don was on the Everett Fire Department from January 1948 to February 1974, retiring as captain after 26 years.

He was baptized and became a member of the First Baptist Church of Everett.

He owned and operated the Everett Tavern for 18 ½ years. Don and Lucille left Everett in 1981, moving to Whidbey Island, where they had property and a small house since 1966. Don wanted to build his own home, which was designed by Lucille, with plans drawn by Fred Scheffler. The new house was built by Don with the help of family. Don and Lucille had many good trips and enjoyed fishing, mostly salmon.

Don was preceded in death by his mother and father; his brothers Rodney and Leslie and his sister, Carolyn.

Don left Lucy the way he met her — holding hands. At his request there will be no services.

A celebration of life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday,

March 10 at VFW 2100 in Everett, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 11 at the South Whidbey Senior Center.

Memorials can be given in his name to the VFW 2100 Youth Activity Program, Everett, American Legion South Whidbey Youth Activity Program, Senior Services of Island County or to whatever your choice may be.

The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers at Whidbey Island Manor for their great loving care that Don received.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visser Funeral Home, Langley.