Jay R. Hanson III

life story

The Man, The Myth, the LEGEND!

He will be missed by All.

The book of Jay

Do you really want to know where he was born and all that jazz? That seems so boring and not at ALL who my dad was.

Jay was brash, excentric, funny, caring, talented, dedicated, athletic, adventurous, quirky, tender, stern but flexible, understanding, accepting, hard working, likable, devoted, ridiculous, joyous, frustrating as hell and an absolutely amazing human. He loved with no end and he made sure you knew it.

He grew up in Seattle Washington and would tell outlandish stories that my brother and I would listen to over and over again. Each time we visited his sisters he would bloom with so much excitement and I swear he stood an inch taller there. He loved his sisters Judy, Barbara and Susan so much. He always made sure to check on them and tell them he loved them. I would always catch him getting messages from them whenever there were games on T.V. with updates and squabbles. His face would light up. Oh how he wanted to be back in Washington but his love for his children and desire to be near them was greater.

He joined the marines as a young man and used to joke that he was "chief potato peeler" due to his recklessness and tendency to get in trouble. He was discharged honorably and was a point of pride for him.

He eventually met Cindy whom he would have two children with, Jay and Tiffany.

His children were his world. This was evident in his constant love and support for them.

Jay was active in the recovery community and recovered with 49 years sober. This feat he shared with his daughter.

In his free time Jay enjoyed playing golf and tennis. Watching sports (football and golf mainly) and was an avid lover of the outdoors. He loved being surrounded by nature and found peace there. He could also be found driving his car on an adventure to anywhere.

He enjoyed spending time with his good friend Nancy and they laughed and joked constantly.

Jay's love for his home state of Washington and his sisters was profound. He always struggled with the pull to return to Washington and the pull of staying close to family.

Jay has 3 grandchildren Kyler, Anya and Brynn whom he adored and loved watching grow and learn. He was always present at any events they were a part of with eyes glistening with pride. His love for others was so apparent.

He is preceded in death by his parents Mary and Jay Hanson.

Jay is survived by his children Jay Hanson IV, Tiffany Hanson (Dan), Sisters Judy Foss, Susan Gaston and Barb Hanson. Grandchildren Kyler Hanson, Anya Hanson and Brynn Hanson. Ex-wife Cynthia Williamson (John) and best friend Nancy Letson.

Celebration of life will be held on September 17th at 9700 Portland Ave, Bloomington, Mn in the back party patio area from 12pm-4pm. Bring a side dish to share.

His ashes will be scattered in Seattle Washington with family at a later date.