Thomas Louis Hansen, Jr.

Thomas Louis Hansen, Jr., 74, a long time resident of Charleston and the husband of Joyce Ellis Hansen died on Wednesday, December 25, 2013. The relatives and friends of Thomas Hansen, Jr., are invited to attend his Memorial Service on Monday, December 30, 2013, in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL at 4:00 p.m. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends at the Mount Pleasant Chapel on Sunday, December 29, 2013, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Monday, December 30, 2013, following the service.

Tom was born October 30, 1939, in Fargo, North Dakota, son of the late Thomas L Hansen, Sr., and the late Helen Locy Hansen. Growing up, he lived in Colorado, Washington State and New York. He attended high school in Boulder and was a undergraduate of Colorado State College and received Master Degrees from the University of Colorado and Michigan State. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

In the mid 1950's while a college professor, Tom's dad took leave and took the family to Calcutta for a year, where his dad taught architecture at Bengal Engineering College and his mother and some of her American friends served as volunteers under the direction of Mother Theresa. The family became a part of the culture and it was a thrilling experience for Tom. He also worked for three summers in Yellowstone National Park as a surveyor while in college. Tom was interesting not only because of his talents, his intellect and varied experiences, but was also influenced with colorful stories told by an Aunt who was a personal secretary to movie mogul, David Zelznick and by his dad, who with his wife entertained distinguished guests and colleagues, and by his parents who early in their marriage, lived in Paris across from the hallway from the "Then General" Charles de Gaulle.

He taught high school in Arizona where he also coached tennis. He played the saxophone in a high school band and later taught himself how to play the guitar and harmonica. After completing his master's degree in city planning, Tom accepted a position as a city planner with Charleston County and went on to become assistant director and director of Berkeley, Charleston, Dorchester Council of Governments. For the Council of Governments, 1977 was an active and at times a difficult and controversial year. This was the first year since 1970 that the Council of Governments had operated as an agency with its own staff, office and budget. He assisted in drafting the 208 Water Quality Plan and the CHATS Plan for the Tri-County Area while on the staff of Council of Governments.

After his retirement, his interest in his community continued with his service as a board member of the Mt. Pleasant Scholarship Foundation, as treasurer and chairman of the Charleston Area Senior Citizen's Services, Inc. and as Treasurer and President of his Homeowner's Association. He also served as a Trustee for Lander University.

He was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by the Governor of Kentucky for his service and accomplishments. Tom embraced life as a true Christian believer and participated in Cursillo and served in various church ministries while a member of the Episcopal Church, singing and playing guitar in several Piccolo Spoleto's Celebration of Praise Concerts. In his retirement, he enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and was a watercolorist and created several pen and ink pieces.

Tom was known for his pleasant demeanor and smile, quick wit, and had a willing desire to always share his vast wealth of information with colleagues and friends even into his retirement years, leaving a legacy as a dedicated and humble public servant. Tom and his wife spent much of their retirement together and loved breaking up their routines by pursuing fun and interesting hobbies and classes as a couple; even renewing their marriage vows on their 10th wedding anniversary at an ocean side church in Maui.

Much appreciation is extended to all the attending medical staff at MUSC for their excellent care and for all the healthy heart, diabetic and nutritional workshops that were beneficial to his widow, Joyce Elaine, while caring for Tom. Additional thanks are extended to the supportive and caring staff at Mt. Pleasant Senior Center, primary care physician, Dr. Bill Wilson and staff at Hospice of Charleston, and especially Hospice volunteer, Alan.

He is survived by wife, Joyce Elaine Hansen of Mt. Pleasant, SC; a daughter, Cathy Myatt of Charleston, SC; a son, Bowe Hansen, Ph.D. and his wife, Elizabeth, of Blacksburg, VA; a step-son, Mikell Lesemann of Charleston, SC and six grandchildren, Allison, Lizzy, Joey, Bailey, Thomas and William.

Memorials may be made to Coastal Conservation League, P.O. Box 1765, Charleston, SC 29402 or Hospice of Charleston, 4975 Lacross Road, Suite 200, North Charleston, SC 29406.