David Ole Hansen

David O. Hansen passed away on April 2, 2025, on his ranch after a tragic accident, leaving behind a legacy of love for his wife, ranch, dedication, and service.

David was born on January 29, 1949, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, and was quite the history buff. He graduated from East High in 1967 with his life-long friends. Together they made a “PACT” to join the service and serve our country. David joined the Army and was very proud of his service and the honors he received from the Vietnam War. Part of the “PACT”, Bill Apostolou and Richard McIntosh remained friends until their untimely deaths, which wore heavy on David.

He graduated from L.C.C.C. and attended the University of Wyoming, where his education was cut short by a few credit hours and came home to work on several ranches. Later he worked on and operated the J Bar J (McIlquham) Ranch, for his beloved Great-Grand Aunt Janet (Jenny) McIlquham in Meriden. David was instrumental in all aspects of the operations of the ranch, and after ten years of hard work and dedication, operating a successful ranch, he met the love of his life, Hiroko Takahashi,  who was living with his Aunt. They shared an incredible 35 years together as Co-Owners and operators of the ranch.

David’s many friends continued to get together every year, especially during hunting season, where David would locate the finest “Trophy” antelope for them. Hunting season was always a highlight for him and he enjoyed not only their continued friendship, but grew to love their children and grandchildren. The only bragging rights were from his friends as to who got to go on the first hunt with David!

David and Hiroko came to town a few times a week to visit friends and to find the newest restaurant in town. If David liked the owner and food, he would brag about it to everyone. He would then become their best customer and everyone knew David by the cowboy hat he wore with pride! He never met a stranger and he could talk to you for hours.

David had a few collections, but his favorite were his knives, especially the ones made by his dad. He was very proud of them and loved to show them off. He never went out without one of his cowboy hats, and his gentle caring way. He will be missed tremendously.

David was a veteran and a member of the LaGrange VFW, and past president of Laramie County Stock Growers Association.

David is survived by his loving wife, Hiroko Hansen, sister, Mary Ann Arnold, half-sister Glanna Hansen, niece Jessica Swanson, cousins from Colorado Springs, DeEtt Murphy, Bob Ely, and Boyd Ely.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Glanna Hansen, Marion Hansen, brothers Paul and Jack Hansen, nephew Livi Arnold, half-sister, Margaret (Peggy) Montgomery, and great-grand aunt, Jenny McIlquham.

Services for David will be May 7, 2025, at 1:00 pm, at the Cheyenne National Cemetery, 866 Hildreth Road. Cards may be sent to Hiroko Hansen, 3395 County Rd 140, Meriden, WY 82801.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the High Plains FFA at Central High School, 5500 Education Drive, Cheyenne, WY 82009, or a charity of choice.