Bruce J. Hanson passed away  January 3rd, 2025 at his home in New Albany, MS.

Bruce was born March 1st. 1935, in Afton, Wyoming  to Oril (Sonny) Hanson and Elva Barbara Jenkins Hanson.

While attending High School, in Afton, Bruce joined the Civil Air Patrol.  Upon Graduation he joined the Air Force and went to Parks AFB in California for Basic Training and Air Police School and was stationed in Guam.  He re-inlisted for Lakenheath USAF Base in England.  While stationed in England, he married Jerolyn Huffaker and brought her to England with him.

After being discharged from the Air Force the family returned to Salt Lake City, Utah where Bruce attended Trade Technical College.  He then moved the family to Tooele, Utah and worked construction for Tom Wood and later Byron Liddell.

In 1966, Bruce took a position on the Guard Force on the Tooele Army Depot.  He then moved on to Blocker and Bracer and then a Crater and then to the Carpenter and Furniture Shop.  1979 Bruce was promoted to a Construction Representative over Engineering.  It was a great job for him in that he loved the work and it showcased his skills and knowledge.  Bruce retired from the Depot in 1991.

Bruce loved construction and building.  He enjoyed remodeling older homes and finishing off basements.  He built two of his own homes in Tooele and his retirement home in Bedford, Wyoming.  He could always be found out in his carpenter shop building things and helping neighbor kids and Boy Scouts with their projects.

One of Bruce's greatest passions was traveling.  He built a camper and was always loading up for adventure on the road.  He traveled thru most of the United States, Guam, England, Egypt and Israel.

Bruce was an active member in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He was baptized in the Salt River in 1943. He was an Elder in the Melchizedek Priesthood and was always available to help and served in many positions over the years.  Bruce was sealed to his first wife Jerolyn in the Salt Lake Temple and after her passing, he remarried and was sealed to Claudine in the Idaho Falls Temple.  In addition to working as Initiatory Workers  at the Idaho Falls Temple, Bruce and Claudine served on a mission to Martin's Cove, Wyoming.  Then later went on a second mission to England, using his skills and background to remodel and update houses and property bought by the Church.

Bruce was very active in the Boy Scouts of America for over 30 years.   He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 203 out of the 13th Ward in Tooele.  He loved camping, exploring, jamborees and activities with the Scouts.  In addition to the many adventures and lasting friendships, Bruce won the "District Award for Merit" and the distinguished "Silver Beaver Award".  While on his mission in England, he helped set up their Scouting program and was put in as 2nd Counselor in the Young Men's Presidency.

Over the years, Bruce maintained his friendship with George Ricker whom he served with in Guam.  George was a Native American of the Assiniboine Tribe on the Ft. Peck Indian Reservation near Poplar, Montana.  Bruce would make a trip from Tooele to Poplar at least once a year.  He would hit thrift stores and bakeries, load up the truck and trailer with supplies and goods to take up to the tribe.  He became great friends with many tribal members and participated in the annual "Oil Days Celebration".  He was one of only two white people adopted by the tribe, and given the name "Chief's Helping Hand".

Bruce was preceded in death by his first wife Jerolyn Huffaker Hanson, and wife Claudine Rosenkrantz  Hanson, brothers Gale Hanson and Kelly Hebdon, brother in law Bob Breinholt  and a step son Jesse(Dawnie) McPherron.

He is survived by sons, Mark Hanson, David (Carey) Hanson and Richard Hanson.  Step children Steve (Jill) McPherron, Rob McPherron and Tami (Jeff) Kemp, brother Dale (Lela) Hanson, sisters Sharon Breinholt and Irene (Jim) Enos and sister in law Ellen Hebdon,  as well as many Grandkids, Nieces and Nephews.