Richard “Rick” B. Hansen

CHINA – Rick Hansen, 48, born on April 2, 1975, in Lewiston to Lorna and Robert Hansen.

Rick attended Auburn schools. At Edward Little High School (ELHS), he played the trombone in the marching band as a freshman, and was drum major during the subsequent three seasons; he graduated in 1993. He then matriculated at Eastern University in St. Davids, Pa., where he was a history major and member of the grounds crew, and developed a number of lifelong friendships, prior to graduating in 1998.

Back in Maine, he worked as a landscaper; served as an education technician at ELHS; and delivered, assembled, and repaired equipment for the Bedard Pharmacy for several years. He was introduced to Stephanie Lea Davis by her sister, Ashley, and they were married on May 8, 2004, settling in Poland. As their family grew, Rick eventually became a stay-at-home dad, while assuming greater volunteer responsibilities at China Lake Camp and Conference Center, where he had attended camp as a youth.

Rick’s children called him, “Papa.” He loved fatherhood. He enjoyed cooking, exploring, tinkering, fishing, making music, and mostly laughing and praying with his children – Andrew (18), Ella (14), Ben (12), and Anna (9) – and his wife, Stephanie.

In 2017, Rick and Stephanie felt called to become the full-time co-directors of the Camp and Conference Center. Moving their family to the campus, Stephanie homeschooled the children. Rick and she were a great team, as together they took responsibility for all phases of the camp program, as well as hosting conference and retreat groups. Rick also cared for the grounds and facilities as well, and enjoyed mentoring and caring for the many folks who visited and volunteered at the camp.

He was a member of Auburn’s Court Street Baptist Church, where Stephanie and he had led the youth group, and Rick was a member of the Board of Trustees. While in China, Rick, Stephanie, and the children became very active at the China Baptist Church. Over the years, Rick also was invited to be a substitute preacher at various American Baptist churches in Maine.

Rick is survived by his beloved Stephanie and children, all of China; parents Lorna and Rob of Auburn; brothers Dave of Auburn and Neil (Christine) of North Hollywood, Calif.; parents-in-law, Lisa and Scott Davis of New Gloucester; sisters-in-law, Ashley of Buckfield and Katlyn of Auburn; grandparents-in-law Elizabeth “Betty” Davis and Gerald Janelle, both of Auburn; and several nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by grandparents Rev. Arnold and Rowena Hansen and Hildred and Chester Bixby, and grandparents-in-law Joline Janelle and Fred Davis.

A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at the East Auburn Baptist Church, 560 Park Ave., Auburn, at 10 a.m., on Friday, Aug. 18. Arrangements have been entrusted to Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Rd., Windsor, ME 04363. Stories, condolences, and photos may be shared by visiting http://www.plummerfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the

China Lake Camp,

255 Neck Rd.,

China, ME 04358 or

Court Street Baptist Church,

129 Court St.,

Auburn, ME 04210