Nelson "Skip" Hansen

February 22, 1931 - June 27, 2013

Nelson L. (Skip) Hansen passed away on June 27, 2013, from complications brought on by Parkinson ’s disease. Skip was born in Shickly, Neb., on Feb. 22, 1931, to Rena and Nels Hansen. Skip was predeceased by his parents; sister, Lora Jean Mayda; and brother, Dale Hansen. Skip is survived by his wife of 55 years, Shirley; children, Ember, Kathy, Bill, Shelly; grandson, Nick; and four nieces and nephews. He graduated from Napa High School in 1949 and the University of California at Berkeley School of Engineering in 1954. Upon graduating from UC Berkeley, he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He spent his tour of duty in Germany with the Army Corps of Engineers attached to the U.S. Air Force, building dependent housing. Upon his return from Germany, he met and married Shirley McClure in 1958. Skip was employed as a civil engineer with Tom Townsend Engineering, Farnum Kerr Engineering and Chaudhary & Associates Inc. He retired from Montgomery Watson Engineers of Walnut Creek. He was a past member of Napa Elks, North Napa Rotary Club, Napa Ski Club, various engineering groups and SIRS 149. He enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, camping and snow skiing. His greatest joy was hunting with his children, grandchildren and the “guys” at Wild Lake Ranch Hunt Club. He and his wife also enjoyed traveling with their trailer group and also took many cruises. A celebration of life will be held July 8, 2013, from 1-4 p.m., at the clubhouse at the Napa Valley Mobile Home Park, located at 1040 Orchard Ave. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777; or Kaiser Hospice of Vallejo, 1761 Broadway, Ste. 101, Vallejo, CA 94589.