Per Henry Hansson died peacefully at home in the early hours of May 17 with Norma, his wife of 39 years, at his bedside.
He was in ill health for several years, but he refused to give up. His daughters called him the comeback kid. When he fell in April and suffered a broken back, we hoped there would be another miracle. However, the onset of pneumonia proved too much even for the comeback kid.
Henry was born on Sept. 15, 1927 in Sweden in the province of Dalarna, to Frida Bjorklund and Gustav Verner Hansson, the older of their two sons. He was preceded in death by his parents, younger brother Karl Gustav and infant grandson Jason Charles Kent. He is survived by his wife Norma, his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a loving family of cousins and their children in Sweden.
At age 18, Henry left home on Swedish ships to see the world. His intelligence and ability paved the way for his advancement to higher rank. In the ensuing years, he fulfilled his dream of seeing the world, experiencing some amazing adventures.
A chance encounter in a military hospital opened the way for Henry to transfer to the U.S. Naval force. He applied for and was granted residency in America, and Henry proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1955.
After immigrating to America, Henry studied electrical engineering. His varied career in that field included positions at Sharp Laboratories, MicroSemiconductor Corporation, The Marantz Company, and others. Henry always loved working, very reluctantly embracing retirement at age 70.
Henry’s first marriage to Bonnie Taber produced three beautiful daughters, Holly Hansson, Sheryl Jackson and Michelle Kent (James); six grandchildren, Erika, Heather, Nicole, Ashley, Mel and Chelsea; and nine great-grandchildren, Christian, Kyle, Austin, Sophie, Cherish, Jadon, Delylah, Marshall and Raymond.
Henry and Norma’s life journey together began with their marriage in 1978. By marriage, Henry gained two sons, Gary and Glenn Gregg. Glenn married Jane Stroebel in 1988. When granddaughters Jodie Leann and Anna Alexandra were born in 2001 and 2004, Henry became “Farfar,” a proud title for an old Swede.
Our family is grateful to the medical professionals who made Henry’s last months more comfortable. To name a few: Dr. Tony Bartley, palliative care expert Carla Jolley, Diane Fiumara, Dr. Jerald Sanders, nurse Lauren and everyone on the Whidbey Health Hospice team. Thank you all for easing Henry’s pain and brightening his days.
A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, June 19 at Trinity Lutheran Church. Remembrances may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Hospice of Whidbey Island or WAIF.
