Orval H. Hansen obit

Orval Hansen, congressman who helped give Idaho a nuclear lab, dies at 91

 

He was not on the list.

Orval Hansen Obituary

Surrounded by loving family, Orval Howard Hansen, 91, of Boise, Idaho, died in his home Nov. 2, 2017. One of the many blessings Orval shared during his life was his recently published memoir, "Climb the Mountains." Many of the words that follow are Orval's.

"I was born at home at 5:30 in the morning on August 3, 1926. I am told that Dr. J. R. Egbert charged a total of $20 for his prenatal and delivery services." Orval's parents, Farrel and Lily, soon moved from Firth to Idaho Falls with Orval and his older brother, Farrel Jr. The family later grew with the arrival of Norman, Reed, Mary and John.

During the early years of the Depression, they lived near the railroad tracks. "Mother told Farrel and me to stay away from the hobo jungle near our home. Naturally, we were curious to learn what we were warned to avoid. One day, we walked into the camp across the street and received a warm welcome."

"March 18, 1935! That was the day we moved to the farm. It remains fixed in my memory because I considered the move to be among the most important events in my life. This farm and the one we would move to later would be my home for the next nine years. I would grow from a boy to a young man." Orval graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1944.

Soon after, Orval enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Trained in aviation ordnance, Orval was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Saratoga. "My experience helped me to mature physically, mentally and emotionally. I gained a much deeper appreciation of the opportunity and privilege of serving my country in uniform." Orval went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, obtaining the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Orval then embarked on an incredible series of educational challenges. "My parents were prepared to make any sacrifice necessary for me to go to college. Fortunately, my GI Bill benefits and other earnings were sufficient to fund my degree at the University of Idaho." From Idaho, Orval earned a B.A. summa cum laude and, from George Washington University, a J.D., a LLM and a PhD in political science.

A Rotary Fellowship to study at the London School of Economics also provided an opening for Orval to explore Europe, the Middle East and Africa, in particular, Durban, South Africa, where he met a very special someone. "Friday July 8 did not seem to be different from any other day, but it would prove to be among the most eventful days of my life. I was told that an American courtroom was the setting for the current play at the Intimate Theatre. One of those involved in planning the festival introduced me to June Duncan. June invited me to come see the play, 'Pickup Girl.'" The play sounded interesting and the invitation coming from a beautiful leading actress had a special appeal."

Over the next two weeks, Orval and June saw each other frequently. On Orval's last day in Durban, June 22, 1955, Orval and June walked to a friend's home and sat on a garden bench. "I proposed marriage. I did not expect an immediate answer, but my proposal did not seem to be a surprise or to be unwelcome. Perhaps it was wishful thinking, but I was confident of a later acceptance and began making plans for our future together."

Separated for a few months, Orval and June corresponded extensively before reuniting in Southampton, England, on Nov. 4. "At about 10:30 that evening in Room 535, I renewed my proposal and it was accepted. I slipped the ring onto her finger. June showed me her diary where she had previously written in 'OW' for 'our wedding' on December 31." Orval and June married on New Year's Eve 1955 at St. James Church in Birkdale, England. They set sail for the United States two weeks later.

"Idaho Falls would be my home for the next thirteen years. In many respects these were the best years of my life. They brought the priceless and everlasting gift of a family as we were blessed with seven children. I achieved financial independence and confidence in my ability to help raise and provide for our growing family. I was also able to pursue my passion for politics and public service."

Orval began practicing law in 1956, eventually entering a partnership with his brother John. That same year, running as a Republican, Orval was elected to the first of many terms in the Idaho Legislature: House of Representatives (1957-62, 1965-66) and Senate (1967-68). "We wore our partisan labels lightly in the Idaho Legislature. Party line votes and angry words in debate were rare. We played partisan games in fun mainly to keep up our morale. Debate could be spirited but it was civil. Friendships extended across the aisle." Working with others, including Governor Robert Smylie, Orval focused on many issues as a part-time legislator including: creation of the Legislative Council and Parks Department, improved education spending, removal of discriminatory constitutional language, legislative redistricting and strengthening of public securities "blue sky" laws.

Orval wanted to serve Idahoans in Congress. Defeated in his first federal race in 1962, Orval ultimately was elected from Idaho's 2nd District to the U.S. House of Representatives three times, first in 1968. "I was on cloud nine. I could now devote my full time as a lawmaker and be able to support my family." The Hansen family, plus two pets, moved to their new home in Arlington, Virginia. Orval collaborated with other Idaho congressmen – Senators Len Jordan and Frank Church and Representative Jim McClure – to create the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. "Playing a part in the passage of this landmark legislation is my proudest legislative achievement. Critical to our success was the willingness of all in the Idaho delegation to work together to achieve our objective. Our egos did not get in the way in our joint endeavor." Orval also played a key advocacy role for increased funding and responsibility at the facility now known as the Idaho National Laboratory.

Orval was defeated for re-election in the Republican primary in August 1974. "The loss was painful, but I got over it. There were still mountains to climb. By far the best years were still ahead." After leaving Congress, Orval practiced law in Washington, D.C., and created the Columbia Institute for Political Research, an enterprise to facilitate positive bipartisan public policy. "It made a positive impact on countless lives and events in the United States and many other countries around the world. For me, it brought great challenge and an opportunity for personal growth." Twenty-five years after establishing the Columbia Institute, Orval was proud. "We held more than 250 conferences in all 50 states and one in London, England. Half of the United States senators and a third of the state governors had participated as had a large number of the members of the House. Speakers included the vice president of the United States, members of the president's cabinet and other leaders in government, business and academia."

Orval's passions extended beyond public service. In his 40s, encouraged by older brother, Farrel, Orval began climbing mountains and running long distances, especially marathons. First came Mt. Borah, later, all three Teton peaks. Climbing trips with brothers, friends and other family followed: the Himalayas, the Andes, Mexican peaks, the Alps and Mt. Kilimanjaro. Running to train for mountain treks transformed into running to prepare for marathon races, 20 altogether. Orval's running journal revealed the true extent of his journey. By Aug. 3, 2001, his 75th birthday, Orval's legs had traversed the entire globe – 25,000 miles! "My mountain climbing and running yielded benefits beyond measure; better health and self-confidence and a longer and richer life."

Orval loved attending June's many theater performances in the Washington, D.C., area. He also enjoyed traveling, hiking, listening to opera and classical music, reading books and sharing time with family and friends, especially at the family log cabin Orval had built along the Salmon River in Lower Stanley, Idaho. "The cabin has become a treasure that has yielded all I had hoped for and more."

As he was supported by his parents and family, together with June, Orval provided tremendous love and continual support to all seven children, 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. All in Orval's family celebrate his blessed life: June, Margaret (Chris, Kerry and Mackenzie), Elizabeth (Mark Stripe, Matthew and Rebecca), Jim (Joan Cartan-Hansen, Samantha and Harrison), Katherine (Elaine Fraser), John (Terry, Kenny and Gracie), Mary (Rick Szymanski, Alex and Austin), Sara (John Yun, Shaun, Caleb and Hannah).

By order of Idaho's governor, Orval Hansen will lie in state at the Idaho Statehouse on Monday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to noon. A public service will be held at St. Michael's Cathedral at 1:30 p.m. to be followed by internment at Boise's Pioneer Cemetery under direction of Summers Funeral Home, Boise Chapel.

Orval was generous to many causes.