- Date Of Birth: April 11, 1990
- Date Of Death: September 22, 2022
- State: Utah
Every now and then, someone comes into your life that is so genuinely themselves, that they make it safe for you to be yourself, too. That was Joshua William Hansen.
Our dearest Josh, a son, grandson, husband, father, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on September 22, 2022, in a tragic car accident.
Josh was born in April 1990 to his loving parents, Mike and Liz Hansen, of Brigham City, Utah. While raising him in Brigham City, through watching him graduate from Box Elder High School, Mike and Liz loved him fiercely and taught him to be compassionate, humorous, hardworking, and generous.
Josh had a special talent for turning strangers into instant friends. Loyal and easy to love, he would do anything for anyone, spending hours lifting others’ spirits with his goofy jokes or tackling projects with friends in need. He had a keen sense of humor, an infectious smile and laugh, and he always had a story or a bit of news to share with wonderful embellishment. His crazy sneezes could absolutely terrify while his unexpected comments would leave the whole room in stitches!
Josh had a passion for airplanes and took his first solo flight at the young age of 16. He had many talents, interests, and dream jobs, but he always seemed to make his way back to airplanes. He worked as an airplane mechanic for 16 years and absolutely loved taking family and friends on last minute flights and adventures. He thrived on including others in his schemes and activities.
Josh loved animals, truly loved them. Animals seemed to sense this about him. They just knew that he was one of those genuinely, kind-hearted people that would always look out for those that needed help and protection. He loved several pets over the years and they loved him in return.
In August of 2013, on one of the happiest days of his life, he married and was sealed to his best friend and adventure partner, Rachel Wyatt, in the Brigham City Temple. They shared everything together, including those last-minute plane trips, countless firework shows (with Josh manning the launches), country music, golf, and so much more. There was no one they would rather be with than each other. They supported each other in work, play, joy, and heartache. Rachel even supported Josh in his inexplicable love of mac and cheese and his decision to get a pet hedgehog, and Josh was always Rachel’s biggest fan with her love of running and many other hobbies.
In 2021, to the joy of everyone who knew them, Rachel and Josh shared their biggest adventure of all when their miracle baby, Harper, was born. They had waited and prayed for years and years for this sweet baby girl and sure enough, Harper instantly had Josh completely wrapped around her tiny, premature finger. He protected Harper fiercely as she battled severe health issues and he sheltered her with all the tender love imaginable. He loved being a father, sharing updates and pictures, and cuddling with his baby girl. The best part of his day was coming home to his favorite girls, and Harper yelling, “Dada,” and tumbling into his arms.
Josh and Rachel are expecting another miracle baby boy this December. Josh was so proud to be welcoming another little one into the world. His family was his absolute joy and priority. He was continually looking for ways to surprise Rachel, spoil Harper, and make sure their needs were met.
Thirty-two years were far too short a time to have Josh in our lives, but he whole-heartedly lived with love and joy and fun. He shared that natural happiness freely with everyone around him. He left this world a brighter place.
Josh is survived by his sweetheart: Rachel Hansen; his daughter: Harper; his parents: Mike and Liz Hansen; grandparents: Bill and Dollie Bridges; his mother-in-law and father-in-law: Marlene and Doug Wyatt; and countless other family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents: James and Idalene Hansen; and his aunt: Kathy Jenson.
The family would like to send heartfelt thanks to the emergency workers, highway patrol, and countless friends, family members, and neighbors who have been there at this painful time.
