It is with great sadness and broken hearts we announce the death of our husband, father, and grandfather on Sunday March 30, 2008. He died in the loving embrace of his family after a short but valiant battle with lung cancer.Stewart (Nick) was born in Salt Lake City on February 16, 1939 to Mary Maxwell Hanson and Stewart M. Hanson, Sr.
He graduated from Olympus High School in 1957 and enjoyed old friends at his 50th Reunion.
He married DeAnne Dunn in 1961 when they both were seniors at Westminster College. He chose Westminster College because both his father and uncle had attended Westminster when it was still a "Collegiate Institute" (high school). Stewart graduated in 1962 with a double major in political science and history, having learned both French and Russian. He graduated with a BA, Cum Laude in 1962.
He graduated from the University of Utah Law School (Juris Doctor) in 1965. He was in private practice for over 40 years beginning his legal career at Parsons, Behle, and Latimer 1965-1969; Pugsley, Hayes, Watkis, Campbell, and Crowley (Watkiss and Campbell 1969-1974); appointed Judge, Third District Court, UT, 1974, returning to private practice with Suitter, Axland and Hanson 1978-1994. General Counsel, Corporation of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah (in house, 1994-1996); Dart, Adamson, Donovan and Hanson, 1996-2000; Assistant Attorney General, State of Utah, Chief Litigation Division 2000-2005. He retired in 2005.
He and DeAnne built a Dessert home in Kayenta/Ivins and moved to Southern Utah in April 2006. The beauty and peaceful serenity of the desert gave him great comfort in his final days.
He was involved in professional and civic activities too many too enumerate.
His association with Westminster College on the Board of Trustees was for almost 18 years brought him great joy. Watching the growth of this college was an achievement he took pride in.
His business activities included being a member of the Board of Directors, U.S. Bank (formally West One, formally Continental), 1980-1993; Board of Directors, Draper Bank and Trust, 1995-2000.
Stewart served in the military, United State3 Coast Guard Reserve, 1957-1977 (LT. Commander, Commanding Officer, 1973-1977, Honorable Discharge; Utah Army National Guard, 1977-1985 (LT. Colonel, Staff Judge Advocate, Retired.)
When asked what his greatest achievement in life was he said it was finding DeAnne and fathering three beautiful daughters, Gillian, Holly, and Jennifer. His grandchildren were an added bonus.
Stewart is survived by his wife DeAnne and daughters, Gillian Papanikolas (Bill); Holly Roper (Brian); and Jennifer Wakefield (Scott) and his seven "above average" grandchildren, Ari, Sean, and Elena Papanikolas; Erin and Mackenzie Roper, and Jack and Ben Wakefield.
A celebration of his life will be held at 2pm Saturday, April 5 at Westminster College, 1840 South 1300 East in Jewitt Center Concert Hall.
Rest in peace our "Gentle Giant." We will love and miss you forever.
