Richard Harold Hansen

“HAL”

Richard Harold Hansen Jr.

Born in Richfield, Utah, on April 28, 1932, to Richard Harold Hansen Sr. and Clayone Elizabeth Anderson Hansen.

He passed away peacefully on Sept. 21, 2026, in South Jordan, Utah.

Hal grew up in Richfield, Utah, where he learned many trades by helping on family farms and serving many neighbors in need. From an early age, he developed a strong work ethic and a love for helping others - qualities that would remain with him throughout his life.

Hal began his college years in Cedar City, Utah, where he studied engineering and was a member of AFROTC. His involvement with the Air Force took him to multiple bases around the world, serving as an officer in the United States Air Force.

While attending BAC (now Southern Utah University), Hal met his eternal sweetheart, Peggy Marie Ashcroft. He was smitten from the get-go, and the two were married in the L.D.S. Manti Temple on December 19, 1952.

Hal pursued many years of higher education and, while attending Utah State University, earned a Ph.D. in Engineering and a Ph.D. in Psychology/Education. He worked as an engineer for several years before becoming Vice President of Utah Technical College (now Salt Lake Community College). He even enjoyed teaching a few business classes, just for fun. After retiring from the College, Hal served as the Utah and Multi-State Tax Commission Chairman.

Hal and Marie raised 6 children. As their family grew, they spent as much time as possible together on family vacations and adventures. Many wonderful memories were created during these family trips.

Hal also owned his own surveying company and many times included his children in the work. The kids became his crew and those experiences gave them not only fond memories, but also valuable life skills and a strong work ethic.

Hal was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying many a “hunting trip”. He treasured the time spent with lifelong friends, his sons and eventually his grandsons. Hal learned to love the outdoors from his own father and grandfather, and that love never left him. In his later years, when hunting was no longer possible, he relished hearing the stories from his posterity as they continued the tradition of “the hunt”.

Hal and Marie together served many neighbors and friends as active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their service included a mission to L.D.S. Business College and 2 mission summers at Cove Fort. They both loved their time serving others. Hal served as Bishop of several different wards. In one particular ward, his service became much more than a church calling. He would carry his tool bucket around the neighborhood doing handyman repairs for those who needed them. He became known as “the Bishop with a Bucket,” a title he proudly carried and respected for years. Hal spent an inordinate amount of hours doing ‘extraction’ for the Church Family History Program.

Hal was preceded in death by his parents, Dick and Clayone; his brother Douglas (Charlaine), Donald, (a twin brother of Douglas), who died as an infant, and his sister, Sue. A daughter, Elaine (Larry), twin granddaughters Cheral and Christy, granddaughter Alex, his special pal, and two great-grandchildren, Weston and Eva Graver.

CHILDREN: Elaine Young (Larry), Steven (Malinda), Ronald (Erika), Diane Arbuckle (Alan), Curtis (Michelle), Julie Williams (David)

He is also survived by 23 Grandchildren and 32 Great-Grandchildren, who will carry his legacy forward.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10:00-11:00 AM at the South Jordan Parkway Stake Center (10200 S. 3200 W., South Jordan). Graveside Services will be held on Saturday at 2:30 P.M. in the Richfield City Cemetery. Burial will be held in the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, Manti