[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 204 (Tuesday, December 17, 2019)]
[Senate]
[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

[[Page S7108]]

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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