Sigmund R. "Sig" Hanson, age 72, passed away in Everett, Washington on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Bernice Hanson.

Sig is descended from early settlers in the Stanwood area, and his home on Camano Island, affectionately known as Mosquito Acres, sits on five acres of scenic land once homesteaded by his great grandparents. He grew up on a dairy farm, currently owned by his brother Trygve.

Upon graduation from high school, Sig spent 4 years in the Air Force. Trained as a specialist in precision measuring equipment, he received regular promotions and left the service as a staff sergeant. His duty stations included bases in Colorado and Del Rio, Texas. He often said, "The best thing about Del Rio was seeing it disappear in the rearview mirror."

Two years studying electronics at Skagit Valley College came next, followed by seven years as a television repairman; then back to college for another two year degree, this time in computer systems. Subsequent work experiences included programming with an insurance company, wholesale electronics in Everett. His final career was with the Boeing Company s as a weight operations specialist for over 20 years.

The group of people he worked with at Boeing are a fantastic group of people.  It might not be an official motto for the group but Sig frequently said "Once in the Weights group, always in the Weights Group". Sig looked forward to the gatherings to catch up with the guys. To attempt to describe the technicalities of Sig's job would take too long, so lets put it this way, when Boeing sells an airplane, it damn well better weigh precisely what the specs say it should weigh.

There was a song in the 1950's that went something like "she lived on the morning side of the mountain, and he lived on the twilight side of the hill", which is a bit reminiscent of how Sig and Sharon didn't meet. Every July, Sharon's sister threw a big party; the Hansons were always invited. Sig and Sharon attended regularly, but always on alternate years. Thirty-six ago they showed up at the same time, met and the rest as they say is history.

Sig loved and collected antiques: radios, old jukebox, a stationary engine, and an antique tractor, an old jalopy made by his great uncle, and a 1923 Star to name a few. His favorite antique was his 1968 California Special Mustang. He very much enjoyed the only car he ever bought brand new his 2006 Saleen Mustang. The one car regret is not purchasing a 1968 Shelby 500KR convertible. He backed out at the last minute because the price seemed absurd - $4500. For those who don't know, if you can find one to purchase it would cost over $100,000.

Sig was an honest, kind, and thoughtful man. He had a great smile and a really dry sense humor. He could fix almost anything. Sig loved his wife Sharon and his brothers Trygve and Eric and his cousins.

Many a road trip included stops in California to visit his cousins Harley and his wife Nancy; Clare, Rosemary, Susan and Stephen and his wife Kathi. Arizona was also a stop on trips to visit Kathy Gray and her husband Roy.

His love for tractors and tractor driving started at a young age. He never really out grew it because he looked forward to driving tractor for the Williams every year. He enjoyed those big machines.

Sig and Sharon did not have kids of their own, but they applied the rent a kid philosophy by hosting two exchanges students 2 different school terms and several short term summer students from Japan and China. He also enjoyed the company of his many nieces and nephews.

Sig was raised in Our Saviour's Lutheran Church and as he liked to point out to new visitors his confirmation picture hangs on the wall in the hall. Sig was a life member of the Stillaguamish Grange. He worked every summer in the Grange hamburger booth. He was treasurer there for over 10 years. He was the treasurer and resident photographer for the Skagit Old Car Club and was also treasurer for 20 years. Sig was an active member of the Twin City Idlers, Island County Mustangs and the Greater Vancouver Mustangs. He enjoyed dragging his wife to the yearly mustang car shows between the States and Canada. Catching up with the friends he made over the 20 years was the best.

A Memorial Service (Celebration of his Life) will be held at Our Saviour's Lutheran Church in Stanwood on May 11th at 11 am with a reception following. Please drive your old cars if you can.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made to:

The Heritage Flight Museum, 15053 Crosswind Drive, Burlington, WA 98233 https://heritageflight.org/

Stillaguamish Grange [stillaguamishgrange1058@gmail.com;];

Our Saviour's Lutheran Church of Stanwood https://www.oursaviourschurch.org/ or Hillsdale College https://www.hillsdale.edu/