Obituary of Kenneth E. Hansen

Kenneth Elmer Hansen passed away on February 21, 2015, after bravely struggling with cancer for the past year. He was born in Monterey to Elmer and Pearl Hansen. Ken graduated from Monterey High School, 1958 and earned his BA from Golden Gate University, 1977. Ken proudly served three years as a US-Army MP at the White Sands Proving Grounds, New Mexico. Classmates in high school, Lois Cowdrey wed Ken on October 31, 1958 in Albuquerque and their son, Mark, was born the following year. The family returned home to Monterey and Cara was born soon afterward. After his stint of military service, Ken utilized his training as an MP by joining the Monterey County Sheriff's Office. He dedicated 33 years to the force and retired as a Lieutenant in 1993. Ken was a diligent man. Even at work, he was familiar as "El Perfecto". This precise attention to detail made him a fine wood craftsman—he could always build "the perfect box". Another favorite pastime was to spend time at their Weaverville property in Trinity County, which started as a humble summer campsite for the family and Ken transformed it, through the years, into a comfortable mountain cabin compound. A project, that anyone visiting the site, was "volunteered" to do their part. Truly, the cabin was a beloved respite for family and friends, where activities like fishing, hunting, BBQ-ing and taking leisure at sunset were thoroughly enjoyed. Ken and Lois enjoyed being grandparents and regularly attended their grandkids' many sporting and special life events. Ken's parents and sister, Carol Hill, preceded him in death and he experienced the loss of his wife of nearly 57 years, Lois, last year. Ken now leaves his children, Mark Hansen (Hellena) and Cara Cohen; grandchildren, Nate, Rachael and Jake Cohen; brothers-in-law Don Cowdrey (Mary Paul) and Robert Cowdrey (Karen); as well as many nieces and nephews. Bereaved family includes Jerrold and Nikki Simon, along with great-granddaughter, Sophia. The family is most grateful for the kindness of Ken's physicians, as well the caring staff of Sunrise of Monterey and Heartland Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please contribute in Ken's honor to your favorite organization or charity. Services will be private, handled by Mission Mortuary.