It is with deep sorrow and fond remembrance that we announce the passing of Hilberg Reidar Hansen Jr., who died unexpectedly on August 21, 2024. He was born in Philadelphia, PA, in 1948 to Hilberg Hansen, an immigrant from Norway and Clara Bowman, a native of Louisiana. He grew up surrounded by the love of his older sister, Marie Karinne, and younger brother, Charles Julius.

In 1972, he married Anita Louise Hansen from Orange, TX, the love of his life and his best friend. Together they welcomed two children, Erika Leigh and Hendrik Leif. His career took him to Denver, CO. in 1993, a city he has since called home. Shortly after relocating, a tragic car accident claimed his beloved son, Leif, and left Anita paralyzed.

In 2015, seeking new adventures, Reidar relocated to Mexico with his wife, his daughter and grandsons. There, he embraced the culture, eagerly learned Spanish, and formed deep, lasting friendships. His love for Mexico was matched only by his longtime enthusiasm for exploring his Norwegian heritage, culminating in the joy of seeing his grandsons connect with his Norwegian relatives-- a wish that was fulfilled in a trip that, ironically, occurred the week of his death.

A highlight of Reidar's time in Mexico was adopting his dog, Ludeaux, from a local shelter. The bond between them was profound, with Ludeaux providing him immeasurable comfort and companionship. The two were inseparable, and Ludeaux became not only a loyal friend but also a source of immense joy and solace for Reidar.

Sadly, in 2020, Anita lost a short and painful battle with cancer and Reidar eventually decided to come back to Denver to be closer to family and friends. He moved into a community called Overture and started making friends, teaching Spanish classes, organizing Trivia nights and making his famous cajun dishes and telling his stories and jokes to all who would listen.

As a teenager, Reidar sold peanuts and popcorn at LSU football games, an experience that fueled his lifelong dream of attending the University. He began his academic journey at Lamar University for his Bachelors degree in Sociology and then completed his masters degree in Social Work at LSU. His passion for education continued throughout his life, earning numerous certificates and gaining accolades along the way. Early in his professional career, he worked as a social worker at Beaumont Neurological Hospital and with Child Protective Services at the Texas Department of Public Welfare. Later, he served as the Director of the Employee Assistance Program at ConocoPhillips, where he was dedicated to helping employees access grief counseling, mental health benefits, and addiction recovery programs.

In his later years, Reidar was actively involved in a Chaos Theory Group, which he was very proud of and enjoyed the challenging nature of it. He made many lifelong friends within this group of intellectuals. His involvement was a testament to his vibrant personality, his curiosity about the way the world works, and his ability to form deep and lasting connections with those around him. A true friend who never met a stranger, he was always encouraging growth in others, and his kindness and support for everyone he met were truly limitless.

A man of diverse talents and passions, Reidar was known for his great sense of humor, love of music, and culinary skills, particularly his Cajun dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and étouffée. His pride in LSU sports was evident in his active involvement with the LSU alumni community. During his high school years in Nederland, TX, he was not only a dedicated basketball player but also a drummer in the marching band.

Reidar was a devoted friend, a thoughtful listener, and a champion of liberal causes and social justice. An avid reader, he enjoyed sharing articles and books with those around him. He had a deep passion for sailing, a love instilled by his father's seafaring background. He owned a couple of sailboats in his lifetime and dreamed of returning to the islands and living aboard one.

He is survived by his daughter, Erika Leigh Mouser; his grandsons, MacAllister and Riley Mouser; his sister, Marie Karinne McCullough (Houston, TX); his brother, Charles Julius Hansen (Greensboro, NC); and his beloved dog, Ludeaux.

Reidar will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, humor, and passion for life will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him. In honoring his memory, let us cherish the joy he brought into our lives and the countless ways he made the world a better place.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity you feel he would best honor his memory (St. Jude Children's Research Hospital was a favorite of his) or consider donating to a animal shelter or fostering or adopting a pet. If you need my (Erika) contact information or address, please let me know.