Erling Wilhelm Hansen, II,

life-long resident of Tucson, died February 10, 2005 at Tucson Medical Center, following a short illness. He was 49 years old.

Mr. Hansen was born in Tucson, on December 13, 1955, to Jo Ann Brown and Gordon Hansen. He grew up in Tucson and graduated from Catalina High School in 1973. 

He moved to Alaska in 1974 where he stayed for 11 years. He worked as a bull cook on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline until 1977. He then went to work as a civilian contractor for RCA at the U.S. Air Force station at Cape Lisburn, Alaska 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle. RCA provided technical support to the DEW-Line (distance early warning) radar sites that were America's first line of defense during the Cold War. He later moved to the radar site at Murphy Dome, AK.

He moved back to Tucson and became a gem dealer and accomplished gem-cutter. He developed several unique, beautiful cuts, combining polished and unpolished facets. He was also an avid sports fan who enjoyed swimming and watching sports. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Gordon and his mother, Jo Ann. He is survived by an aunt and uncle, Mary and Walter Rasula of Minnesota and another aunt and uncle, Connie and Herb Shillingburg of Oklahoma and numerous cousins in both states.

A memorial service will be held at HUDGEL'S SWAN FUNERAL HOME at 1335 South Swan Road at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 25, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. the Rev. Kurt Lunsford officiating. Donations may be made in his name to your favorite charity.