Obituary

Northland Age, Volume XVII, Issue 62, 7 May 1948, Page 5

Obituary

WILLIAM THOMAS HANSEN The death occurred at the Mangonui County Hospital on Wednesday, of Mr. William Thomas Hansen, late resident of Saies in the Whangaroa County, in his 85th year. The late Mr. Hansen, who had been in indifferent health for some time, was admitted to hospital about 'five weeks ago. Born at Purerua in the Bay of Islands, a descendant of and true son of seafarers who brought the first ' Missionaries to New Zealand, the late Mr. Hansen, after a local education, elected to accept the sea as his career. Throughout the whole of his active life he plied the Dominion’s waterways in coastal boats and, even after retiring to Saies some 30 years ago, he was constantly seen sailing the Whangaroa Harbour. He married Miss May Hare, daughter of early Kaeo settlers, forming a bond between two of the oldest and most respected families in the County. The late Mr. Hansen was a past member of the Awanui Forresters’ Lodge and was popular and respected - wherever he was known. He is survived by his wife, four sons, Charles of Te Kopuru, Fred of Takapuna, Jack of Saies and Ivan of Kawakawa, * two daughters, Mrs. Utting of Helensville and Miss Phyllis Hansen of Saies, and 11 grandchildren.