David Hanson was an engineer who loved to solve problems. In fact, he made it a family affair.
"Our family gatherings often involved pencil and paper and higher math," his son Richard Hanson said.
Among the brainteasing family topics? Thermodynamics.
In addition to his penchant for problem-solving, Mr. Hanson was a perfectionist. Whatever he did, he did well, often applying his mathematical mind-set to any task, said his son. That included running a business, banking, even woodworking.
"He's one of the few people who applies the math you learn in geometry to his everyday life," said his daughter Maryann Plowden.
David Fredrick Hanson, 66, of Roswell died Saturday at Atlanta Hospice House after a nearly two-year battle with colon cancer. The memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at North Avenue Presbyterian Church in Atlanta. Cremation Society of the South is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Hanson grew up near Newnan in a poor household. He was one of seven children, and his mother constantly tended to a younger brother who was bedridden with water on the brain, according to Richard Hanson. "He had to grow up quick," his son said.
After graduating from high school, Mr. Hanson paid his way through Georgia Tech.
In 1973, he took the reins of a small manufacturing company of three employees and built it into a business that at one time had 100 workers. In 2006, he retired from Norcross-based SyncroFlo.
Never one to slow down, he took up banking. He helped charter Rockbridge Commercial Bank.
But beyond his professional interests, Mr. Hanson loved to bang on wood in the basement. He developed an affinity to woodworking in the late '90s.
Additional survivors include his former wife of 37 years, Susan Hanson of Duluth; a son, Jay Hanson of Atlanta; two sisters, Joyce Scarbrough of Tyrone and Sara Hanson Cordry of Overland Park, Mo.; and a brother, Mike Hanson of Louisiana.
About the Author
The Latest
Featured
