Roy Herbert Hansen, 76, of Valdez, Alaska passed on November 28, 2024 surrounded by family after a long health battle. Roy Hansen was born September 21, 1948 to Lone E Jansen (long time Alaskan writer), and Roy L. Hansen Sr. in Cordova, Alaska where he witnessed the day Alaska became a state.
He grew up helping the family on their commercial fishing boat, The Tomboy until the family moved to Kodiak, where in 1967 he joined the Navy. He proudly served as the radioman on the ships the USS Lipan, USS Long Beach and the USS Waddell.
In 1976, Roy returned to Alaska where he went to work for Alyeska Pipeline Services in Anchorage where his family lived. In 1983, Roy relocated to Valdez, Alaska and eventually retired from Alyeska Pipeline Services after 29 and ½ years in 2005. Roy enjoyed ham radio (where he was known as KL7GQ), skiing, photography and mostly fishing from small boats.
He met and married the love of his life Agnes Devlin in 1987 becoming an instant father to four. Agnes shared his passion for adventure. He taught her how to ski and the only place he agreed to fly with her was Hawaii where they went for their honeymoon as well as a couple more trips. Roy also taught Jena-Marie and Jason how to ski. He loved being a family man with two young kids in the house. In addition to his family, Roy was especially fond of his cat Beast and after Beast passed, Kitty Katie and Fat Lola.
Roy was an active amateur radio operator as well as an excellent photographer all the rest of his years. He assisted local dog sled races as well as a brief stint with the Iditarod Trails, which he greatly enjoyed. He braved the ungroomed mountains of Thompson pass on his skis with gusto. Later, he would document several Thompson Pass events as he became an avid photographer documenting everything he could. Check out https://explorenorth.com/
One of Roy’s most proud service moments was in October of 1980 where he assisted the Coast Guard when a cruise ship set fire near Valdez, Alaska. Roy was instrumental in setting up a vast communication network keeping friends and family informed of the rescue operations. On January 15, 1981, Roy received a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of notable services which assisted greatly in furthering the aims and function of the US Coast Guard via KL7GQ. His love for ham radio would continue on as he faithfully checked in with the Sniper Net group twice a day to be sure Valdez was covered and informed at all times.
Roy was preceded in death by his mom Lone E. Jansen, father Roy L. Hansen, Sr. and half siblings Pattie, Sandi and Roy L. Roy is survived by his wife of 37 years Agnes Hansen Valdez, Alaska and his step-children Rhonda Larson (Dan) Lincoln, Nebraska, Pamela Wolfenden (Reggie) Valdez, Alaska, Jason Devlin Ogden, Utah and Jena-Marie Devlin Valdez, Alaska, grandchildren Robert Hickok, Nathan Hickok (Katie), Darbee Hickok (Logan), Nicholas Slone, Kyler LaBonte, Kaden LaBonte and Rylen LaBonte, great grandchildren Wyatt, Hayden and Delilah. His sister, Ann Darrow Gibson (Wayne) Anchorage, Alaska and half siblings from his dad’s side: Jacki, Dean, Lois, Becky, Todd and Julie.
A celebration of life will be on January 25, 2025 at 3:00pm at the Valdez Elks Lodge.