Curtis R. Hansen, 82, a longtime resident of Lake Oswego and Tualatin, died January 9, 2011.

Curtis was born July 31, 1928, in Grand Forks, ND, to Oluf and Hazel Hansen. As a child in Grand Forks, Curtis attended Windship Grade School. He enjoyed building model airplanes; ice skating; comic books; and playing pranks with his oldest brother, Don; sister, Marge; and youngest brother, Dean.

The family moved to Portland shortly after World War II. There he met his lifelong best friend and neighbor, Richard Hedlund. Curtis graduated in 1947 from Roosevelt High School. He was a passionate skier during the winter and spring months, and spent summers fighting forest fires. As a teen he was particularly fond of the Oregon coast, especially Seaside.

Curtis had a deep appreciation for architecture, which led to his facination with clothing construction. He began his apparel career as a pattern maker for Jantzen, where he was promoted to designer. He relocated to Philadelphia with Jantzen and soon after was drafted into the U.S. Army serving in Fort Bliss, Texas, and Fort Lewis, Wash. After his service, he worked briefly again for Jantzen and then joined Pendleton Woolen Mills as the head of women’s wear design, a career that would span over 30 years,. Traveling throughout Europe frequently for design inspiration fueled his huge love of travel, passion for museums, art, and architecture. He had a weak spot for Italy.

During his mid-life years, his weekends were spent at Clifton. It was here that life peacefully slowed down at the rustic cabin perched atop pilings on the shore of the Columbia River. Clifton was all about fishing, duck hunting, antique bottle hunting, arrowhead hunting, amazing food, story-telling, and enjoying the great outdoors along the magical river.

His creative gift touched every aspect of his life from restoring rare antique carousel horses to the preservation and restoration of his 100-year-old historic farmstead where he worked countless hours in his beloved gardens. As a gentleman farmer, he whole-heartedly enjoyed life on the farm with his wife Paula, and daughter, Krista, raising sheeps, llamas, chickens, ducks, rabbits, cats, and dogs.

His love of art and design “projects”, craftsmanship, Clifton, animals, golf, ice cream, nature, the ocean, and the belief that the true essence of life’s abundance can be found in the simple beauty of a perfect Heirloom tomato, are the gifts he leaves to his children and family that will never be forgotten.

Service

Saturday January 29, 2011 , 1:00pm at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church

A reception will follow the service.

Facts Born: July 31, 1928
Place of Birth: Grand Forks, ND
Death: January 9, 2011
Occupation: Designer of Women’s Wear
Hobbies: Travel, Fishing, Duck Hunting, Antique Bottle Hunting, Arrowhead Hunting, Food, Story-telling

Survived By Paula, Spouse
Krista, Daughter
Teri, Daughter
Christina, Daughter
Keri Mills, Daughter
Marge Holcraft, Sister
Don Hansen, Brother
Dean Hansen, Brother
Justin Peck, Grandchild
Isabella Peck, Grandchild
Nathan Mills, Grandchild
Sascha Mills , Grandchild
Ryan Mills, Grandchild
Many nieces and nephews

Memorial Donations Memorial donations can be made to:
The American Lung Association, 7420 SW Bridgeport Road, #200, Portland, OR 97224 503.924.4094