COLONIE – William A. Hans, 71, of Colonie, passed away on Wednesday, April 21, 2021. Bill was born in Albany, and lived for a time in California. Prior to returning to Albany, he devoted himself to his timber interests in the northwest.
Bill is survived by his daughters Molly Rose Hans of Port Townsend, WA, and Lily Elizabeth Hans of Charlotte, NC; his former wife Melissa Finney of Port Townsend, WA; his siblings Kathleen Katz (Stan) of Saratoga Springs, Michael J. Hans (Brenda) of Mt. Pleasant, TX, Therese Louis (Eric) of North Chelmsford, MA and Patricia Murdock (Jack) of Stephentown; and his nieces and nephews Mathew, Brendan, Conor, and Helene Hans; Michael, Katherine, and Emily Louis; and Margaret, Erin ,William, and Anna Murdock. Bill was predeceased by his parents William C. Hans, Jr. and R. Helene Crowley Hans; and by his beloved dog Hannah Hans.
At Bill’s request, there will be no services. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hans Funeral Home, Albany. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com.
Here is Bill’s video tribute:
M. Pat Fox
Condolences! So sorry for your loss.
Missy Finney
Our hearts break again for Bill.
Perhaps you can join me in remembering back before Bill’s afflictions overwhelmed him and changed his life.
He was once smart, funny, inventive, deeply kind, open-minded, artistic, loving and loyal. Remember his wavy hair? I thought he looked like Errol Flynn.
After Midland Records in Albany, Bill and a friend went west. They settled in California, working in Forestry and house painting ultimately in Northern California. With Missy, who became Bill’s wife in 1980, the two renovated a historic farmhouse in Arcata, opening the 14th Bed and Breakfast on the West Coast. The couple founded and ran The Plough and the Stars Country Inn 10 years. They were blessed with great friends and community support. While there, Bill pitched for the Eureka Thunderbirds. In a sentimental nod to 40 Lenox’s annual Hedrick’s Cup, Bill proudly installed and maintained a regulation croquet court at the inn. Winning $5000. on a Lottery scratcher one year, Bill immediately donated $1000. to the local Food Bank.
Bill had the benefit of many close friendships with wonderful people both in the West and the East, where he returned with his family in 1992.
Bill’s diseases reduced his life to one of unsuccessful choices and unquenchable needs. So many people tried to help Bill. Thank you.
What I know for sure: His was a good soul. He loved his daughters with all his heart. He was proud to be a Hans.
Bruce and Sandy Weidman
Words can never express our sympathy. It is way too hard to lose a brother. Bill was always a fun cousin. We will All miss him.