GRAY- William Kenneth Hansen peacefully passed away at home in Gray, ME with his family by his side, on November 18, 2022, after a long illness. He was born in Fort Fairfield, ME, on November 22, 1946, son of the late Earle W. and Madeline (Doughty) Hansen. He graduated from Fort Fairfield High School in 1964 and attended the University of Maine in Orono. He worked for Pratt & Whitney in CT, New England Pipe & Supply in both Bangor and Portland, ME. He retired from Emerson-Swan, Inc, Randolph, MA after 27 years as an HVAC Sales Engineer.
Bill is survived by his beloved family, his wife of 45 years, Mary C. (Giles) Hansen, his daughter Sarah E. Hansen and her husband Cary Tyson of Westbrook, ME, and son Matthew L. Hansen and his wife MuYin Lin of Yarmouth, ME. He is also survived by his brother Stephen R. Hansen of Eagle, ID and many much-loved cousins.
Bill’s passion was playing bass guitar and performing. Starting in high school, he performed in numerous bands and became well known and respected in the Maine music community. He was a member of Puddin’ in the 1970s, a group much in demand in Bangor and at the University of Maine Orono campus. Bill then went on to be road manager and bass guitar player in Royal Country for national country star Dick Curless. Bill continued to play and record with many New England based musicians throughout his life. A highlight was playing The House of Blues, Boston. Music was his lifelong joy.
In lieu of flowers, Bill asked that donations be made to your choice of his favorite nonprofit groups:
HART Animal Shelter, 302 Range Road, Cumberland, ME 04021
Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine, PO Box 479, Lewiston, ME 04243-0479
Greater Portland Landmarks, 93 High St, Portland, ME 04101
Bill followed the path of Eckankar. An ECK Memorial Service and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Mary, Sarah and Matt want to thank the wonderful caregivers at Maine Cardiology, Maine Nephrology and especially Hospice of Southern Maine for their thoughtful and extraordinary care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com