Former Sen. Wanda Hansen honored
Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, lights a candle in memory of former state Sen. Wanda Hansen.
OLYMPIA - House and Senate members put aside their agendas on Wednesday to remember former legislators who passed away.
The biennial joint memorial service encouraged legislators to bring a rose and light a candle in memory of former legislators.
Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, attended the service in honor of former state Sen. Wanda Hansen, who passed away in June 2009.
The 13th district senator completed the last two years from her husband, Sen. Frank "Tub" Hansen's position.
Frank Hansen passed away during his sixth term as 13th District senator.
"When I first met Tub, he reminded me of my own grandfather," Warnick stated. "He was a tough cowboy who cared deeply about the community and the people he represented. Wanda was a typical stateswoman, and very supportive of her husband while he was in office. Her daughter told me they complimented and completed each other, and she wanted to finish what he started. They reminded me of leather and lace. She was really the only choice to fill his spot after he passed away. She was a very gracious lady."
Penny Morgan, one of the couple's four children, attended the memorial service.
"The day was poignant with heartfelt memories of the times spent observing my parents, two common people called to the service of their neighbors and their communities. With every action, they were thoughtful of the impact on the whole," Morgan stated. "It was a day full of memories and laughter."