N. Wayne Hansen

Wayne Hansen passed away at home January 2, 2022 after courageously fighting pancreatic cancer over the past year. He did “not go gentle in that good night—he raged and raged against the dying of the light.” He was reluctant to leave his family and endured much to stay here, exhausting all medical science had to offer. Wayne was born April 29, 1948 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Thelma June Edgington and Noel Jorgen Hansen.

See 3 Photos

He was driven in his life by his love of family, God, country, and service to others. Hard work was a theme throughout his life beginning with his first job at 16 and not retiring until he was in his 70’s. Whenever he could, he gave to others. He taught his children to be generous and to bless the lives of people around them. His many acts of service and financial support were often done anonymously.

He didn’t spend long in Idaho, coming to Utah at age 2; he later attended Highland High in Salt Lake City. Wayne’s love for his country and the freedoms provided defined his life. Wayne wanted everyone to read and understand the U. S. Constitution so they could truly appreciate the freedoms this great country provides.

He joined the Air Force during the height of the Viet Nam war, forever altering his life course for the better. The Air Force trained him in the relatively new field of non-destructive inspection of jet aircraft and engines, combining his love of flying with a valued skill. He was also trained to fly and flew missions piloting the T-33 jet trainer and TF-102 jet fighter aircraft—a dream come true.

Wayne left the service to begin his life with his sweetheart, Lynda Lewis. They were married May 30, 1972 and were later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. Eventually they adopted a child and had two more children.

Wayne worked in the non-destructive testing industry and eventually started companies: Met Chem Testing Laboratories, Inc., American NDT Products, Inc., NWH, Inc., WLH Family Properties, LLC. He achieved the ASNT Level III international certification in 4 methods of testing. In his business he worked with nuclear, aerospace, power generation, automotive airbags, microchips, and construction industries, etc.

While doing this, he was a lifetime member of ASNT and served in leadership positions in the Utah chapter. Wayne was instrumental in developing the NDT training program at SLCC and served on the advisory board for years. He received an award for his work with the VICA competition held at SLCC.

Wayne made Christmas magical with his extravagant light display at both of his Sandy homes. People would travel from near and far to see his display which solely focused on the Savior’s birth and brought joy to all those who visited. When cancer interfered with his plans to restore his light figures, he gifted them to a man who promised to cherish them as much.

Golf was a lifelong pursuit and only health stopped him from playing--keeping him from his goal of getting a hole-in-one. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was blessed to serve as financial clerk in his ward for more than 26 years.

Wayne is survived by his wife Lynda, son Greggor (Leah) and daughter Heather (Matthew) Fisher, grandchildren Matthew, Zachary, Jackson, Lincoln and Addison, brother Steve (Colleen) Hansen, and sister Jacquie Jensen, and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents, brother-in-law Al Jensen, and Lewis in-laws.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the Pepperwood chapel at 2195 E. Pepperwood Drive (10900 South), Sandy, Utah 84092. Family and friends are invited to visit the night before on Friday, January 7, 2022 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.) Sandy, Utah 84092. A brief viewing will be held from 10:00 am – 10:45 am prior to the funeral at the church. For the protection of high-risk family members, we ask that those attending the viewing and funeral to please wear a mask. To leave online condolences or to virtually attend services please visit www.larkincares.com

In lieu of flowers, Wayne requested that you donate to the Perpetual Education Fund or Humanitarian Aid fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or to a favorite veteran’s charity.