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Henrik Bernhard Hansen ("Hank"), a resident of Manzano del Sol Good Samaritan Village, passed away March 18, 2010 at the age of 88. Hank first moved to New Mexico in 1972 after a distinguished US Air Force career that spanned three wars. Following his retirement from the military, he spent 10 additional years working for the Air Force in the Civil Service. Among his military honors were the World War II Air Bronze Star for Meritorious Service in Viet Nam. Until his final illness, he was active in a number of Albuquerque service organizations, including the Mile High Optimists Club, and served as a volunteer at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center for more than 20 years. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, a Freemason and a Ballut Bayad Shrine member. Born in Plainfield, NJ, Hank grew up in nearby Metuchen where in high school he developed a lifelong interest in writing. But when World War II broke out, he was unable to pursue this interest or further his education. Instead, after high school graduation, he enlisted in the the Army Air Corps and served as a B-24 radio operation and gunner, completing 50 combat missions with the 460th Bomb Group out of Spinazzola, Italy. After the war, Hank returned to spend six years as editor of a small town newspaper, the weekly Metuchen Recorder, where he wrote a column called "Along Main Street." With the onset of the Korean conflict, Hank was recalled to active duty and remained in the Air Force until he retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer. Over the years he attended night school and ultimately obtained his college degree from Chapman College in Orange, CA in 1970. Hank greeted life's challenges with grace and good humor, best exemplified by a tendency to spontaneously break into song. He will be greatly missed by his loving family--his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth, daughters; Caroline Gallagher and Suzanne Mauck, his brother, Allen, two grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son Henrik Allen. Viewing will take place at French Mortuary, Lomas Chapel at 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE Monday, March 22, 2010 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. Service will be Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at French Chapel also. Interment at Sunset Memorial Park will follow. Members of the Mile High Optimist Club will serve as honorary pallbearers. Donations may be made in Hank's memory to the Albuquerque Veterans Administration Medical Center. 1501 San Pedro Drive SE, 87108. Ambercare, 2129 Osuna NE 87113. Please visit our online guestbook for Hank at RememberTheirStory.com. French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
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