Vincent H. Hanson, born November 25, 1927 in San Pedro, California to Hans A. and Rose (Hall) Hanson died February 11, 2009 at Fidalgo Care Center in Anacortes, Washington. The family was soon transferred to Ketchikan, Alaska by the Coast Guard. Vince's father died in 1937 when Vince was 10 years old. A love of the sea was passed down from his Coast Guard Cutter Captain father. In his early teens he went to work for Harcourt Tew, who, as Vince said "took a boy to raise." Many of life's lessons were learned on the tugboat, Louisiana II, plying the waters around Ketchikan - towing logs, fishing and driving navigational aids in the shipping channels. He joined the Merchant Marines in 1944. On his return to Ketchikan, in 1950, he joined the Army. In 1955 he moved to Seattle to seek health care for his wife, Rosemary. He was hired by the Seattle Police Department in 1957, retiring in 1974 due to a medical disability. In 1987, he married Lenora and moved to Dewey Beach, Anacortes, Washington. Vince loved his family, hosting many gatherings for friends and family He is and will long be remembered for his wit, tenderness and strength of character. We loved hearing him tell the vivid stories of his youth and working years. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Vance and Verner; wives, Rosemary and June. Vince is survived by his wife, Lenora; sisters, Gloria Fleck of Sequim and Sharon Hanson of Stanwood; sons, Kevin and wife Sheree of Ephrata, Washington and Randy of Soap Lake, Washington; stepdaughter, Jennifer Adams of Ephrata, Washington and stepson, Jeff Tinker and wife Aimee of Kenmore, Washington; grandchildren, Krystal Phipps and Kerri Hanson, Sarah and Evan McMartin, Benjamin and Jonathan Tinker; one great-grandchild, Christopher Phipps; and numerous nephews, nieces and extended family. Vince was a Past Commodore of the Swinomish Yacht Club, Life Member of the Elks and an active member of the Anacortes Noon Kiwanis. We would like to acknowledge our thanks to the staff at Fidalgo Care Center, Skagit Hospice, and a special heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Visiting Angels, who made the last year at home possible. A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm February 21, 2009 at Hawthorne Funeral Home, 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon, Washington with a reception following at the Mount Vernon Elks Lodge, 2120 Market Street, Mount Vernon, Washington.