Rhys Evan Hanson, 87, passed away Nov. 5, 2021, in Lacey, Wash. 

Rhys is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Jill and Steve Reinmuth; grandchildren, Sam and Kate; sisters-in-law, Janice Heberden and Joyce (Reynolds) Saul ’65; and nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families. He was predeceased by his wife, Kathleen, as well as his parents, J.T. Hanson’18 and Mildred Hanson; sisters, Carolyn (Hanson) Rosholt ’47, and Joan (Hanson) Tieman ‘50; and his brother, Paul Hanson ’51.

Rhys was born July 27, 1934, in Chicago, and grew up in Oak Park, Ill. He attended Luther College in Iowa (B.A. ‘56) and was an active alumnus throughout his life. He also graduated from the University of Montana (M.Ed. ‘65) and studied audiology at Portland State University in Oregon (’84-’86).

Rhys met Kathleen Samuelson while teaching in the Tri-Cities in southeast Washington. After marrying in 1963, their first home was in Richland, and their only child, Jill, was born there.  They lived for several years in Longview, and then for 25 years in Vancouver in southwest Washington. After retiring, Rhys and Kathleen moved to Olympia to be close to Jill and Steve, and especially, to their grandchildren, Sam and Kate.

His early teaching career took him to Montana, Minnesota, and ultimately, Washington. He worked as a speech therapist in small school districts before becoming an audiologist and operating a small clinic. 

Rhys was a faithful child of God; a devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle; and a kind and generous friend. He was a member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Lacey, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Olympia, and the Sons of Norway. A loyal Chicago Cubs fan, he was thrilled to celebrate the team’s World Series Championship in 2016. His many interests included music, genealogy, history, and photography. He enjoyed getting to know people, whether distant family or new friends, listening to their stories, and sharing his own. He trusted in the goodness of others.