Julian Rial Hansen

Julian Rial Hansen, 97, passed away in his home in Sarasota, Florida, on October 24, 2024, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by those who loved and cared for him. 

 

Julian was born on August 7, 1927, in Chicago, Illinois, the third son of George W. Hansen and Leith Christine Hansen (née Macdonald). Julian attended the University of Chicago Laboratory School, graduating in 1945. Shortly before graduation, Julian enlisted in the Navy to become a naval aviator in the Holloway Plan. He earned his “Wings of Gold” in July 1948 and was discharged from the Navy in 1949.

 

In September 1949, Julian married Barbara Ann Park; they met during their senior year at the Lab School.  For the next 74 years, they created a lifelong partnership that encompassed raising a family, civic endeavors, sports, and world travel. 

 

After their marriage, Julian and Barbara lived in Chicago while Julian attended the University of Chicago Law School, graduating in 1952, and then joined the bar in Illinois and Wisconsin.  Daughter Jane arrived in 1951. After graduation, the family moved to Milwaukee for Julian’s first job, but their stay was cut short when Julian was recalled for service in the Korean War as a carrier-based pilot. Julian was passionate about flying and remained in the Navy Reserve until 1980, flying out of NAS Glenview and attaining the rank of Captain.

 

After his tour in Korea, while still on active-duty, Julian and his family were based on the West Coast where he was admitted to the California bar and became certified as trial and defense counsel for the JAG Corps. 

 

In 1954, Julian, Barbara and Jane returned to Chicago where Julian helmed the family law practice. Daughter Dicie arrived in 1956. In 1964, the family moved to Barrington Hills, IL. 

 

Julian was a strong supporter of civic engagement and was on the Board of Barrington School District 1 for several years before its consolidation into Barrington’s CUSD 220. He also served eleven years as the Chairman of the Barrington Hills Zoning Board of Appeals.

 

Sports played an important part in Julian’s life. Tennis, golf, and snow skiing were lifelong pursuits. However, sailing became his focus after his flying days were over. He enjoyed sailing in Barrington on Hawley Lake and sailed for many years on Lake Michigan and in Sarasota, Florida.

 

In 1979, Julian launched his most extensive sailing adventure, crossing the Atlantic in a 39’ steel hull cutter. In pre-GPS times, he navigated with a sextant and dead reckoning from England to the Maderias and then from the Canaries to Barbados, fulfilling a lifelong dream of ocean sailing.  

 

Julian and Barbara loved to travel and visited almost 50 countries and all fifty states over the years. While many of the trips were with family, many others were in the company of intrepid friends. 

 

In 1979, Julian and Barbara purchased a condo in Longboat Key, FL where they spent many relaxing winters and escaped Chicago’s blizzards.  For two decades, Julian was the President of the Sands Point Condominium where he shepherded a variety of capital improvement projects. In 2017, Julian and Barbara moved to Sarasota full-time. They treasured the beauty and coastal lifestyle of Sarasota.

 

Julian cherished his immediate family as well as his extended family of numerous cousins, and 19 nieces and nephews. He was a stalwart friend and trusted advisor to many. 

 

Julian is survived by his daughters Dicie and Jane Hansen, Jane’s husband Robert G. Stanton, and his two grandsons, Christopher Hansen Miller and Andrew Hansen Miller. His beloved wife Barbara passed away in September 2023.

 

A memorial service will be held November 7th in Sarasota. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Marie Selby Botanical Gardens may be made at https://selby.org/support/