BANGOR – Sidney A. Hansen, 78, husband of Nina Bowden Hansen, died peacefully Feb. 22, 2005, at home after a long illness. He was born Dec. 1, 1926, in Portland, the son of Fred and Muriel (Oquist) Hansen. Sidney moved to Bangor as a child. He attended Bangor schools and left high school at the age of 17 to serve his country as a U.S. Marine during World War II. After he returned he completed his studies to ensure that he finished his high school education. He found success as a wholesale appliance salesman traveling northeastern Maine. He was always ready for a new challenge. Imbued with a keen entrepreneurial spirit, he later owned and operated several businesses, including, a Tydol gas station, the original Corner Night Store on Hammond Street, Central Street Deli, Sid Hansen and Son Contractors, and for a time, Airport Taxi. Sidney had a wonderful voice and often performed in United Commercial Travelers’ musicals, an organization in which he served as Senior Counselor. He was a fan of harness racing and was a past member of the Maine Harnessmen’s Association. Sidney was a former Mason and loved to play bridge at the Masonic Temple on Main Street. He was an avid gardener and enjoyed puttering in his vegetable garden. Sidney was a life-long Red Sox fan. He especially enjoyed traveling with his beloved wife and spending time with his children and grandchildren to whom he gave generously of his time and his talents. One of his last pleasures was a fishing trip this past spring with his sons and brother. He is survived by Nina, his wife of 54 years; and three children, Eric Hansen of Bangor, Cynthia Hansen Reid and husband, David Reid, of Bangor, and Joel Hansen and wife, wife, Gayle Treworgy of Hermon; and five grandchildren, Erica Hansen King of Portland, Kristin Willette, of Scarborough, Hayley Adams of Bangor, Ansley Hansen of Hermon and Joshua Hansen of Bangor. He also is survived by his twin sister, Shirley Elliot of Bangor, his brother, Wilfred “Buddy” Hansen and his wife, Linda, of Centreville, Va.; his sister, Vilma Graham, of Bangor; and a dear brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Irving and Esther Bowden, of Hampden; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Sidney wished to express his gratitude to his many friends and neighbors for their support and friendship through-out the years. He especially wanted to remember his long-time Marine buddy, John Freund, as well as Ernest “Sonny” Higgins and Tommy Smith. Visiting hours will be 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor. A private memorial service will be held Sunday afternoon with the Rev. Dr. Mark Doty officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to Home Health and Hospice of St. Joseph Hospital, 900 Broadway, Building 2, Bangor, ME 04401, which enabled Sidney to remain in his home during his extended illness. The family wishes to express its gratitude to his nurse Carol.
SIDNEY A. HANSEN
