Today’s obituary notices:
- Melvin Raymond Hansen
- Leonard Charles Smith (PUG)
Melvin Raymond Hansen was born July 6, 1923 to Sigvard and Zenobia Hansen in Tacoma, Washington and passed away peacefully May 17, 2013 in Puyallup, Washington.
Melvin graduated from Stadium High School in 1941 and furthered his education at the University of Washington, majoring in business administration. He continued his business education at Knapp College of Business and Pacific Lutheran University. Melvin joined the Marine Corps in 1942 and became an aerial photographer in the Pacific Theater. Mel was honorably discharged in 1945.
After the war he married Lorraine (Christiansen), his wife of 49 ½ years. They established a home in Tacoma, Washington where they raised their family of 5 children. Mel started working as a photographer for the Tacoma Police Department and soon landed his permanent job as Purchaser for the City of Tacoma Department of Public Utilities, where he retired after 47 years of dedicated service.
Over the years, Mel and Lorraine pursued different hobbies, from selling Praying Mantis and Ladybugs to running a Group Home for the mentally challenged. In Mel’s later years he enjoyed traveling the globe with his companion of over 17 years, Leora Goelzer.
Mel is preceded in death by his wife, Lorraine; and two sons, Terry and Jerry. He is survived by his daughter, Rebecca (Fox); son, Timothy; and daughter, Priscilla (Syring); 9 grandchildren; and 6 great grandchildren.
Services to be held on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 12:00 p.m. in Evergreen Chapel at New Tacoma Cemetery, 9221 Chambers Creek Rd W, University Place, Washington.
Leonard Charles Smith (PUG). Loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at home at the age of 89 on May 24, 2013 with his wife and five children at his side. He was born in Seattle, Washington on May 30, 1923 to Leonard Reuben and Elizabeth Marian Smith and had one sister, Dorothy Kubacki. He married the love of his life, Barbara June Kemp, on December 7, 1943 and spent 69 wonderful years together.
Leonard and Barbara raised five children, a son and four daughters; Carole Collison, Len Smith, Sandra Ferer, Deborah Hylsky, and Pamela Lown.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and grandparents. He was loved very much and will be missed by his wife and children, as well as his 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
He proudly joined the US Army in 1943 where he served in WWII in the South Pacific and was honorably discharged in 1946; and continued his service in the Air Force Reserves as a Staff Sergeant. He was employed by the Civil Service where he served as Chief of Missiles & Weapons until his retirement. He was awarded many honors during his military and civil service career.
He loved golf and travel with Barbara in their RV. He was especially fond of spending time with his children & grandchildren. He loved automobiles, motorcycles, airplanes, and anything mechanical. He had a custom boat building business in the ‘50s. He had a passion for the park-like setting he and his wife shared for close to 40 years.
The family would like to thank the caring staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Hospice Care for the loving kindness and support they gave.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Cancer Society, Wounded Warriors, or charity of your choice.