Randolph "Randy" Hanson

Randolph “Randy” Hanson

Born in 1948 in Watertown, South Dakota, Randy moved to California with his parents and younger sister, Sandy, when he was 3 years old. His younger brother, Greg, was born 3 years later. Randy spent his early years in Daly City. His mother, Mary, died of diabetic complications when Randy was 11. The next few years were turbulent as their father, Lowell, was not able to take care of the children. Subsequently, the children were placed in separate foster homes. Fortunately, in his mid-teens he was welcomed into the world of dirt bike racing and found community with several families. His innate fearlessness and bold spirit thrived in the sport that became a lifelong passion.

Randy apprenticed as a civilian welder for the Navy and eventually worked on nuclear submarines stationed at Mare Island, CA. When Mare Island naval base closed in 1996 he worked as a construction inspector for DWR and lastly at East Bay MUD, until he retired in 2012.

Randy met the love of his life, Linda DeVaux, through friends. They built a joyful life together and settled in Fairfield, CA where they spent the next 41 years. Camping, water skiing, dirt biking and snow skiing with family and friends were top pastimes for the two of them. Sadly Linda was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s so until her passing in 2016, Randy was completely devoted to Linda and cared for her with gentle regard.

An early interest in music and guitars was rekindled in retirement. He became fascinated and passionate to learn music theory. As with dirt biking, he went all in and mastered it all. He became quite good at playing the guitar, but mainly played for himself, not interested in performing for others.

Randy was kind, outspoken and very generous particularly with his nieces, nephews, grandnephews and grandnieces. He had a great sense of humor, particularly when it came to bodily functions, and above all he had a positive outlook on life. When asked how he was doing, he typically responded with: “it’s just another day in Paradise”. This positive attitude helped him defy the odds and survive for 5 years after a stage four lung cancer diagnosis. He did not let his illness stop him from enjoying his favorite activities.

Randy’s spirit and light will be deeply missed by his family, friends and former coworkers. He is preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Lowell; his wife Linda Hanson; nephew Bobby Hansen and his grandparents, aunts and uncles. He is survived by his sister Sandy Hansen (Bob) of Clearlake, CA; brother Greg Hanson (Nanette) of Winters, CA; sister-in-law Janet (Stefano); nieces Tina Maggazini(Joao) and Livia Maggazini (Tim) of Florence Italy; nieces Kathryn Velasquez of Roseville, Amanda Hanson of Winters; grandnephews Matthew Hansen of Houston TX and Jude Velasquez; grandnieces Tayler Hansen of West Sacramento, Maya and Callie Hansen of San Diego.

A celebration of Randy’s life will take place Saturday May 16th, 12 noon at the Three Oaks Community Center, 1100 Alamo Drive in Vacaville.

The family requests donations be made to the American Lung Association, in lieu of flowers.