Derek Dale Hansen

Derek Dale Hansen, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and friend passed away on Friday, November 4, 2016 after a valiant battle with an aggressive form of lung cancer. Born January 22, 1958, in Tooele, Utah, to Dale R. and Carole (Dymock) Hansen. Derek had a very adventurous and sometimes mischievous childhood. When he wasn't causing trouble with his friends and cousins, his time was spent excelling at sports. A longtime Dallas Cowboys fan, he had the pleasure of attending games at multiple venues with his son and others. "A Cowboy Forever," his love for them will remain intact in the Legacy Walk at the stadium. Derek graduated from Cyprus High School in 1976. He married Gina Anderton in 1977 and later divorced. In March of 1980, he married Janice Colledge, with whom he had two wonderful children, Derek Jr. and Hillaree. Although he and Janice later divorced, they maintained a close friendship throughout his life. Their families defied the norm and were one large loving family with Derek and Ron (Janice's husband) being close friends and Derek loving Jon (Janice and Ron's son) as if one of his own children. They would all spend countless days, events, birthdays and holidays together and even went on a couple of vacations as well. The memories gained from these times will be treasured forever. Derek worked as a drywall contractor for many years, and later worked and made many friends as a carpenter for the Granite School District until retiring in 2012. A nature enthusiast from an early age, Derek particularly enjoyed hunting and fishing trips over the years with good friends and family. He also spent a lot of time on the ski slopes. His adventures took him all over Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska, but he always said that the mountains surrounding Fish Lake, Utah were his personal paradise. Derek's life revolved around his children and grandchildren. His love for them was as fierce as his loyalty. Throughout the years, he attended countless sport and school events for them, including recitals, assemblies, baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, cheer competitions, football, lacrosse and dance. You could always hear his cheers ring out above the crowd. They were his pride and joy, and he cherished his time with them and relished the chance to talk about them whenever possible. Derek holds a special place in the hearts of many that knew him. He had a contagious smile, a memory made for trivia, a knack for nicknames, and a love for singing entertaining little ditties. Many of these traits he has passed on to his family, who will miss him deeply. He is survived by children, Derek Jr. (Annie) and Hillaree (Michael) Harrison; and seven grandchildren, Tyson, McKenna, Hailee, Kenzie, Ella, Cooper and Ryker. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister and brother in law, Deborah and Kevin Fordham. Please come share your favorite memories of Derek at a celebration of life, Friday, November 11, 2016, 1-4:00 p.m. at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 South Redwood Road. In lieu of flowers and in memory of Derek, please enjoy his favorite meal: a juicy prime rib and cold beer, or "whatever suits your fancy." Place of Birth:Tooele, UtahPlace of Death:West Valley City, Utah