Rick Lee Hansen's Obituary
Rick Lee Hansen, age 70, passed away Friday, December 22, 2023 in Muskegon, Michigan surrounded by family and friends. Rick was born in Muskegon on February 9, 1953 to Corbett and Caroline (Dickson) Hansen. He graduated from Orchard View High School in 1971 having been a member of the Amateur Radio Club, Spanish Club, and playing trumpet in the Concert and Marching Bands. He continued on, receiving his Associate Degree in Electronics from Muskegon Community College and briefly attended Michigan State University. Rick began his career as a Computer Technician with Burroughs/Unisys.
With a good friend, Rick co-owned a Tri-Pacer plane which fueled his love and enthusiasm for aviation. His flying career saw him enjoying the roles of Co-Pilot, Captain, Chief Pilot, Check Airman, Director of Operations, and Flight Department Captain for Executive Air, Corporate Aviation, Northern Jet and E5 Ventures LLC. Prior to retirement he was fortunate to be Captain in the Lear 45 and his favorite airplane the Falcon 2000.
After knowing each other since seventh grade, on May 19, 1984 Rick married Cheryl Ann Kompik at Central Methodist Church in Muskegon. They celebrated 39 years of marriage this year. Together they enjoyed life on the lake with marina friends and Rick as Captain of their sailboat and motorboat. Since Rick rode motorcycles from the age of 16, they enjoyed traveling on the bike including a longer ride to Colorado. They were also members and officers of the Hi-Nabors Square Dance Club dancing locally as well as at State and National Conventions.
Following his retirement in 2021 Rick and Cheryl have wintered in the sunshine in Sebring, Florida. Rick is survived by his wife, Cheryl; along with his two sisters: Jane (Walt) Bassett and their children Brooke, Eric, Casey and Josh; and Gayle (Richard) Weesies and their children Tyler and Logan; sister-in-law Karen (Jim) Woodrum and their children Stacie and Aimee; their families with his many great-nephews and great-nieces; and his very special Golden Doodle companion, Kimber. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Corbett and Caroline (Dickson) Hansen in 1982.
MEMORIAL SERVICE will be 3 PM Saturday, December 30, 2023 at the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St. Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100. VISITATION with the family will be 1-3 PM prior to the service. Burial will be at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in the summer of 2024. Please contact Cheryl Hansen for the specific date. Share memories with the family online at www.SytsemaFH.com
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