Robert Lee Hanson

Beloved Father, Brother, Veteran, & Friend

Robert Lee Hanson, a kind & gentle soul, who touched the lives of many with his warmth, humor, & love for life, passed away peacefully in Arizona surrounded by those who loved him.

Born in Panama while his grandfather worked on the historic Panama Canal, Robert carried a deep appreciation for history & service throughout his life. A proud Army veteran, who served two years in Vietnam & later had the honor of participating in an Honor Flight Arizona to Washington, D.C., where he visited the memorials along with other fellow veterans, that hold profound meaning for so many who served.

Robert (Bob), was the proud father of three sons, Danny, Andy, & Chris, who were his greatest joy. He shared a lifelong bond with his ex-wife, Pat Hanson Haligan, whose unwavering support & presence remained a comfort & blessing through his final days. He is also lovingly missed and remembered by his two grand children, Fineus Hanson & Bella Hanson, his four sisters, Theresa Hanson, Kathleen Phoenix, Judith Hanson Huffman, Lynnanne Hanson Miller, brother-in-law, Chris Miller, his many nieces, nephews & all their children - Pete & Andrea Bioletto, Holly & Steve Piceno, Molli Hanson Hiegel & David Hiegel, Mallory & Matt Reilly, Jeremy, Justin, Joshua & Jonathan Phoenix, Clarissa Miller; Jackson, James & Eva Reilly, Payton & Ragen Bioletto, Alyssa, Christian & Ashley Piceno, Wilder Phoenix, Julia & Christopher Thronson, Ashley & Brandon Cox. Bob was always there, for every single member & extended members of his family. His entire family cherished him deeply & stood by his side with love & admiration.

Bob’s passion for sports, especially ASU, was contagious. He could light up any room with his spirited commentary, infectious laugh, & undeniable love for the game of basketball & football. But perhaps nothing made him shine brighter than music. Bob was a dancer through & through. Whether it was a formal event or a living room tune, he could “cut a rug” like no other, bringing joy & energy wherever he moved.

Bob Hanson will be remembered not only for his service & love for family, but for his kindness, humility, & the way he made people feel seen & appreciated. His legacy will always live on in the hearts of those who knew & loved him.

Bob’s interment will be held at 2:00pm, on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 2929 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd. Phoenix, 85024. A celebration of life is planned to honor Bob, immediately following internment, at his sisters, Judy’s house, located at 16223 E. Kingstree Blvd., Fountain Hills, AZ 85268.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in his memory to Honor Flight Arizona, an organization that brought him joy & healing.