In Memory of Heather Lynn Hanson (1938-2019)

We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Heather Lynn Hanson, who died on November 24, 2019, at the age of 81.

Heather was born on June 29, 1938 in Oregon. She graduated in 1960 from Portland State University, OR with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, following which she earned an Associate degree in TV Production Technology from Mt. Hood Community College, OR in 1974. Soon after, in 1975, Heather received her Master of Arts in Communications from the University of Portland, OR. She then worked in various videos, adult education and training jobs for fifteen years before following her call to ministry. In 1994, Heather earned her Master of Divinity from the Pacific School of Religion, CA.

Rev. Hanson was ordained on October 23, 1994 by the First UU Church Houston, TX where she carried out her first ministry (1994-1997). Thereafter, she served the UU Church in Eugene, OR (1997-1998) and Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, WA (1998-1999). From 1999 to 2001, Rev. Hanson ministered at the UU Congregation at Shelter Rock, NY as an Interim Minister and from 2001 to 2002, at the First Unitarian Church of Denver, CO, also as an Interim Minister. Then, over a decade, Rev. Hanson carried out a series of interim ministries at the following congregations: the First UU Church of San Diego, CA (2002-2004); the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington, DE (2005-2006); Rogue Valley UU Fellowship, OR (2006-2008); Tahoma UU Congregation, WA (2008-2010); Shoreline UU Church, WA (2010-2012); and lastly at Eastrose Fellowship UU, OR (2013-2014). She retired from active ministry in 2016.

Rev. Hanson carried out a great deal of services on behalf of the denomination. She was producer of the video tape “The Interim Opportunity” for the UUA Dept. of Ministry. She served the Pacific North West District (PNWD) Leadership School in various roles, as a group facilitator (1985); and as a co-presenter of the topic of Conflict for the Winter School (1986). Furthermore, she also served the PNWD Conflict Intervention team for five years.

In addition to her interim ministry, Heather served various community organizations. She was a member of the Yakima Mayor’s Committee on Human Rights, and the Longview WA Cable access for community. She functioned as a researcher and writer for the League of Women Voters (1971-1974); as a producer for the teacher training series for the Oregon Dept. of Education (1976-1977), and for the “By, For, About Women” cable series, Longview, WA (1980-1981).

In her spare time Heather greatly enjoyed ensemble singing, writing music, dance (especially folk dancing), photography, conversation, reading, and hikes in nature. Additionally, she loved attending live theater, dance, concerts, and art and science museums.

In tribute to Heather’s life, her son Trevor wrote:

“My mother felt the need to be a calming presence to the turbulent spirit of humanity. In a world filled with people making noise, desperately trying to be heard, she chose to listen to people. Hear their concerns, opinions, outrages at the world’s inequity and indifference. By hearing people, she gave them the validation they desired and allowed them to withdraw their voice from the cacophony of the world’s noise. This is how she added to the tranquility of the world, one voice at a time. My mother was a peaceful heart.”

Heather is survived by her sons Trevor and Shane; her brothers, Kirk Campbell and wife Janet, and Doug Campbell and wife Ellen.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UU Fellowship of Corvallis, 2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis, OR 97330.

A memorial service was held at 11 am on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at the UU Fellowship of Corvallis, 2945 NW Circle Blvd, Corvallis, OR 97330. Notes of condolences may be sent to Trevor Hanson at 1232 Crescent Dr, Albany, OR 97321.

Additional information may be found at the Unitarian Universalist Retired Ministers and Partners Association. 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *