Ernest Laird Hansen

Ernest Laird Hansen passed away on January 19, 2023, at the age of 88, surrounded by family. Laird was born August 24, 1934, to William “Bud” and Ollie Hansen in Bellingham, Washington. Laird grew up in Bellingham where he made many lifelong friends. He was president of his senior class at Bellingham High School and played several sports. Laird spent many summers in his youth with his maternal grandparents on their farm in Graham, Washington. During high school and college, Laird spent his summers working on fishing boats.
After graduating from high school Laird followed in his parents’ footsteps by attending Washington State University. Numerous friends of Laird’s from Bellingham attended WSU as well and several joined him in becoming members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. Laird was a lifelong Coug and SAE supporter.
After graduating with a degree in Business and Construction Management from WSU, Laird was commissioned into the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and went to school to become a navigator. In 1958 while stationed at Travis AFB, Laird spotted a beautiful redhead at the Officer’s club and found the love of his life, Lynne’ Babel. Laird and Lynne’ were married September 5, 1959, and had three children, Karrin, Kindra and Erik. Laird obtained a master’s degree from Oregon State University while stationed in Corvallis, Oregon as an ROTC instructor.
Laird was stationed all around the globe, including deployment to Korea which was followed by one of his favorite assignments at Lajes Field in the Azores where he flew missions with the Air Rescue detachment. Laird’s next assignment was to Scott AFB in Illinois where he was the commander of the flightline for MAC headquarters. Laird then moved back to his home state of Washington and was the Commandant of Cadets and Professor of Aerospace Studies at the University of Washington. In 1986 Laird retired as a Colonel after 30 years of service in the Air Force and went on to work for Boeing in Seattle before retiring in 2000. Laird served on the Board of Directors for Verity Credit Union in Seattle for over 30 years.
Laird had a love of travel and visited every continent. He was a sports fan and a season ticket holder for Cougar football games and attended numerous bowl games. Laird also enjoyed season tickets to the Seattle Mariner baseball games. Laird and Lynne’ spent time visiting family around the country as well as camping and fishing with family in Idaho. They enjoyed attending their grandkids’ various activities and sports events and spending holidays with them. Laird’s grandfather was a craftsman, and he fostered a love for building and construction in Laird. Laird built numerous things during his life including a horse jumping course at Scott AFB and a beautiful deck for his Kirkland house.
Laird and Lynne’ were married for 55 years until Lynne’s passing in 2013. Laird was also preceded in death by his parents and brother Jon Hansen. He is survived by his children, Karrin (Gerald) Ferguson, Kindra Hansen (Anthony Bryant), and Erik (Christine) Hansen, grandchildren Jackson Bryant, Alec Hansen and Kate Hansen, step-grandson Josh Bryant, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.
Laird will be remembered as a devoted family man, loyal friend, and true gentleman, as well as for his dedicated service to his country.