Gary (Doc) Hansen has died, after 17 days in a coma

Posted By: Todd Johnson
Date: 7/28/00 3:31p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

.jpg The Trailer Sailing Community has Lost our Beloved Friend and Mentor Gary “Doc” Hansen: 1950-2000 July 28, 2000 Early this afternoon, Trailer Sailor editor Gary “Doc” Hansen passed away after more than 17 days in a coma at Torrance Memorial Hospital in Torrance, CA. He is survived by his wife Mary, and his son Ted. Gary was found floating in Avalon Harbor, Catalina Island, CA on July 10th. His dinghy was drifting a short distance away. He was not breathing and had no pulse, but was resuscitated at the scene and air evac’d to Torrance Memorial Hospital, where he remained in a coma. He had sailed to Catalina Island three days prior, with the intent of staying a week, researching and photographing the island for an upcoming Trailer Sailor article. The exact circumstances of his drowning remain unknown, but evidence from subsequent CAT scans suggests that Gary suffered a brain hemorrhage before passing out and falling into the water. Doc considered everyone in the Trailer Sailor community to be his friend. He was one of those rare individuals who found joy in every moment, and new how to share his love for life with those around him. His knowledge of sailing seemed unlimited, his wisdom infinite, and his wit always razor sharp. His passion for sailing was deep, but as he often shared with me, his love for his wife was deeper. He was one of the few truly happy people I knew. I do not even begin to know how to describe the loss I feel, both for myself, for Mary and for his family. Doc was one of my closest, most valued friends. The void that his departure has left in my life, in the lives of his wife and family and all who knew him, is wider than any ocean any of us will ever cross. Doc, you have set sail on the boldest, most mysterious voyage that any of us can make, and I hope that someday I will know you again, somewhere beyond that last sunset, beyond that last flash of green, where the sea meets the stars. Until we meet again, my friend, goodbye. Todd Johnson – todd@trailersailor.com