Alma "Kelly" Kelsch Hansen Obituary (1922 - 2016)

Kelly Hansen passed peacefully from this life June 25, 2016 at the age of 94. His life wound through many twists and turns of a blessed fate, from which he built a life of love and service. From humble beginnings in central Utah he found his way to Brigham Young University, where he met his sweetheart and beloved wife, Polly Holloman. Together they raised four daughters, Allyn Thompson, Carol Littlefield, Gloria Morrison and Peggy Ijams. Their home was a place of peace and happiness where their daughters, 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren developed rich lives in their loving and supportive embrace. Kelly is also survived by sons-in-law, Hugh Thompson and Bob Morrison. He was born on January 16,1922 to Arndell Kelsch and Lorena Magleby Hansen in Richfield, Utah, where he was nurtured by his extended family and endured the difficulties of the great depression. The Mormon Church was central to his community life and the development of his deep sense of morality and integrity. He was a leader from the start, serving as President of his senior class at Richfield High,1940. Kelly served in the United States Air Force during World War II, where he completed his medical education at the University of Utah College of Medicine in 1946. He completed his Ophthalmology Residency in 1956 of at the University of Iowa and moved to Tucson, Arizona with his young family, establishing his practice and serving his patients with meticulous care. He came to love the Sonoran desert and enjoyed every part of life to the fullest. He played golf, tennis and bridge at the Tucson Country Club, which became a home away from home and a social gathering place for Polly and Kelly's many devoted friends. They were always a handsome site on a dance floor, especially at Desert Club. Camping on Lake Powell on their boat the Gute Fahrt and sharing special times at their cabin at Hawley Lake, bonded their family in fun and together they came to appreciate the wonder and beauty of nature. Kelly's sense of humor brought laughter to life. He had a flair for drama and music filled every space. He brought his light-heartedness into his countless acts of caring and uplifted everyone whose life he touched. As president of The Rotary Club of Tucson in 1978, his weekly addresses were stand up comedy. He said, "This was the year my hair turned white". Polly preceded him in death. The difficult past few years have been softened by the presence of his dear friend, Lynn Greer. Kelly's family wish to thank the angels of TMC Hospice who cared for their dad's every need during the last months of his transition. Kelly will be so greatly missed by so many but we will continue to grow through his wisdom. "These are the kicks" he would say. And through him we learned to live every day with a spark of adventure and always laughter right under the surface. Honoring Dad's wishes, there will be no service.