Stuart Hansen

Stuart Hansen, longtime Santa Monica resident and dedicated general contractor serving West Los Angeles and surrounding communities, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 21. He was 75 years old.

Stuart (also known as “Stu”) was born in Seattle, Washington. As a child, he moved frequently due to his father’s career as an aerospace engineer.

At the age of 11, he, his dad and sister relocated to Huntsville, Alabama, where his father worked for NASA. Eventually, they settled in Woodland Hills, California, when Stuart was 15, and he attended Taft High School.

During his time in high school, Stuart began to develop his independent temperament. Being the new kid in town, without an established group of friends, he spent much of his time observing the world around him and immersing himself in books. These early experiences shaped the thoughtful and introspective man that he became.

Stuart founded his contracting company, Hansen Construction, in 1987 and became a highly respected general contractor. Structural engineers and architects valued him for his ability to grasp complex blueprints. Clients admired him for his exquisite taste and his talent for creating sophisticated and beautifully designed spaces.

Stuart was a pragmatic thinker when it came to design with his credo being: “have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” His Danish heritage shone through in everything he did. He embodied the essence of Danish modern design, with its focus on minimalism, functionality and simple elegance.

Above all else, nothing mattered more to Stuart than his two daughters. They were his greatest miracles and reflections of his character and heart. As a loving father, he instilled in them the values of strength, resilience, curiosity and determination. He inspired them to live courageously and become the deliberate builders of their own lives.

Stuart’s love for his daughters was deep and unconditional. He took immense pride in their achievements, found pure joy in their lives and nothing delighted him more than spending time with them.

His granddaughters were bringing new joy into his life. He relished being called Poppy and showering them with love.

Stuart often said he wanted to work until he could no longer do so, and he fulfilled that desire working right up to the very last day. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his business and local community, his steadfast loyalty, the genuine and admirable bond he shared with his family, and his remarkable generosity and selflessness.

Stuart leaves behind his former wife and devoted lifelong friend, Sue Hansen, his beloved daughters, Austin Hansen Cowden and Logan Hansen, his son-in-law, Josh Cowden, his two granddaughters, Connelly and Bracey Cowden, treasured nieces and nephews, and many extended family members, friends, and colleagues.