Eric Stuart Hansel, 64, of Steilacoom, Washington, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on June 25, 2026, following a brief battle with Stage 4 Sarcoma NOS.

Eric was born on September 28, 1961, in Redwood City, California, to Freya (Stine) and Rex Hansel.

Eric was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family fiercely. He is survived by his beloved wife, Chylynn Hansel; his daughter, Amanda Hansel (Chris); his grandson, Joshua Hansel; his cherished dogs, Ruby Belle and Sam; his mother, Freya Hutt; his sister, Tracy Hansel; and many other family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Rex Hansel, and his stepfather, Donald Hutt.

After spending his early childhood in the San Francisco Bay Area, he moved to Lakewood, Washington, at age 10. Eric attended Clover Park High School, Fort Steilacoom Community College, and Clover Park Technical College.

Eric married the love of his life, Chylynn Cheah. Together they shared nearly 39 wonderful years, including 38 years of marriage, building a life centered on love, family, and friendship. He ultimately settled in Steilacoom, Washington, in 1993.

His career included work as a logger, cook, retail employee, café manager, customer service representative, and delivery driver before concluding with his medical retirement in 2009.

Eric was a lifelong student of history. A passionate lay historian, he devoted countless hours to studying the U.S. Navy's role in the World War II Pacific Theater and the NASA space program.

His hobbies reflected his curiosity and creativity. Eric enjoyed reading, photography, building fine-scale models, and amateur (HAM) radio. He also loved to travel, whether spending long weekends exploring Washington's mountains and coastline with Chylynn or vacationing together in Hawaii. He also was an avid Seattle Mariners and Star Trek fan.

Those who knew Eric will remember his kindness, quiet generosity, dry sense of humor, and the countless memories he created with family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those he cared about. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

A graveside service will be held on July 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Tacoma Cemetery, 9212 Chambers Creek Rd. W, University Place, Washington 98467.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 10018 Farwest Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98498. This will be a casual gathering to share memories and stories and celebrate Eric's life. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite sports attire or Hawaiian shirts in honor of Eric's easygoing spirit.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Eric's memory to Seattle Beagle Rescue https://beaglerescue.org/donate/ or the Beagle Freedom Project https://bfp.org/donate/.