John Wellmer Hanson ’39

JOHN DIED of lymphoma May 8, 1990, at his home in Huntington, L.I. At the time of his death he was still active in the companies he had founded or acquired over the years in the business of importing industrial oils. In 1948, after WWII Naval service in the Pacific and a short stint with W.R. Grace, he founded the JW. Hanson Company. in 1974 he acquired the Industrial Oil Production Corp. and George Degenand Co. Finally in 1984 he also acquired A.C.T., a manufacturer of pollution control devices for the metal plating industry. Recently he wrote to us, "It seems natural to me to go on working. I am aware of retirement and do wonder if I'm missing something." John never did miss much. He took time out to travel with his children and stepchildren. He regularly piayed tennis four times a week and exercised to keep in what he called "wrestling trim."

John and his second wife, Virginia Gardy, were married in 1978. Gini had two daughters, Jennifer and Allyson Burian, whom John welcomed as his own family, with his daughter, Polly Greenberg, and son, Blake. All have lost a man of courage, good humor, and unbeatable spirit. We share that loss, and extend to Gini and John's family our deep sympathy,

The Class of 1939