Wesley Otis Hanson's Obituary
Wesley Otis Hanson passed away on April 23rd, 2019 at the age of seven. Born in Oakland on February 5th, 2012, Wes was a first grader at Joaquin Miller Elementary, and previously attended the Ducks Nest Preschool. He was a friend to all, a loving big brother, and a beloved son.
Wes was a sweet, silly, and fun-loving little boy. He had a keen interest in the natural world, especially lizards, octopuses, and deep sea creatures. He was a consummate lover of trains, particularly steam engines, and was always eager to share his passion with
friends and family. He rode the Roaring Camp railroad, the Mendocino Skunk Train, the Tilden Steam Train, and went as far as riding the Georgetown Loop Railroad in Colorado. His two Make-A-Wish trips even featured trains: one with Amtrak and one riding in the steam engine at Jamestown 1897 Railtown.
Wes enjoyed camping and loved taking family trips to Lake Tahoe, where he skied, tubed, and in the summers hiked and rode his mountain bike. He was camping in Pt. Reyes just one week before his death, enjoying time with friends and family, biking along the beach, sitting by the campfire, and watching the surf.
Wes was a loving big brother to his four-year-old sister and best friend. He revelled in each milestone she reached and was always thinking of her. The loss of their daily playful banter has left an irreparable hole in our lives.
The last year of his life, Wes bravely fought Glioblastoma Multiforme, an aggressive brain cancer. He faced three surgeries and three rounds of radiation with curiosity and interest.
He had a natural ability to focus on the present moment and find joy in the little things—even during challenging times.
While we are profoundly sad at the loss of our little boy, we feel incredible gratitude for the time we had with him, and eternally grateful for the lessons he taught us during his short time on this earth. His was a life of pure joy, lived entirely in the present. He has deeply touched the lives of all who knew him.
Wesley is survived by his parents, Jeffrey and Nicole Hanson, his sister, Sydney Hanson, his grandparents, Robert and Beverly Hanson and Michael and Susan Russo, and his aunts Barbara Hanson and Catherine Bieber.
Wesley’s memorial service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, June 22nd, at Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Family Reach, Make-A-Wish of the Greater Bay Area, the Oakland Public Education Fund, or the Glioblastoma Foundation.
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