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[Pages S7107-S7108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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REMEMBERING THE HANSEN FAMILY
Mr. RISCH. Madam President, I rise today on a more somber note
to pay tribute to members of the Hansen family who recently lost their
lives in a tragic accident.
For Jim Hansen, family is what mattered most in life. This past
Thanksgiving, he was with his sons, grandsons, and great-grandson,
participating in an annual hunting activity that had become a family
tradition.
On November 30, 2019, they were returning from this cherished family
time, when a tragic plane accident took the lives of nine members of
the Hansen family: Jim Hansen, Sr., Jim Hansen, Jr., Kirk Hansen,
Stockton Hansen, Logan Hansen, Kyle Naylor, Tyson Dennert, Jake Hansen,
and Houston Hansen.
My wife Vicki and I offer our deepest condolences and our hearts go
out to the remaining family members during this overwhelmingly
difficult time. Their loss will not only be felt throughout their
community in eastern Idaho, but also by countless others throughout the
world who have been touched by their religious and philanthropic
service.
The miraculous survival of Josh Hansen, Matt Hansen, and Thomas Long
is a tender mercy to their remaining loved ones and will hopefully
bring a measure of healing for their families.
Jim Hansen, Sr., spent his entire life building a legacy steeped in a
strong sense of commitment to family, a touchstone to guide future
generations. Being born into a family known for hard work and business
acumen, as well as caring for people in need, Jim, Jr., and Kirk
harnessed their entrepreneurial spirit to expand the family business
into other successful ventures that had a significant impact on their
home community of Idaho Falls. The success of their values and vision
was manifest in the growth of their business endeavors and their global
impact.
Kirk and Jim were passionate about bringing hope to others, and that
hope took shape in several forms. With the guidance and insight of
their remarkable wives, Kirk and Jim helped found Kyani Caring Hands.
For nearly a decade, this organization dedicated a significant portion
of its time, energy, and financial resources to respond to disasters
and support poverty-stricken
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communities throughout the world, with a special focus on improving
children's nutrition and education.
The tragic plane accident that claimed the lives of these Idaho sons
will forever cement the ideals and values that motivated these men to
do good where good was needed.
Idaho said farewell to several great men who were not only pillars of
the community, but also beloved by employees everywhere. Jim Hansen,
Sr., and his two sons, Kirk and Jim, Jr., were known throughout the
world as men who were passionate about helping others and touching
lives wherever they went. The Hansen men and children who lost their
lives in this tragic plane accident will be deeply missed, but their
legacy will not be forgotten.
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