CAPT. KNUD BORGE RYOM HANSEN Tx Obit

CAPT. KNUD BORGE RYOM HANSEN passed away peacefully on October 6, 2001. Born on April 23, 1919, in Randers, Denmark, to Hans Peter Ryom Hansen and Ane Marie Pedersen, he is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Carmelina "Lena" Conte Hansen; son Raphael Knud Ryom Hansen and his wife Janet; sister Birgit Sorensen; grandson David Edwards; grandchildren, Kelly and Patrick Hansen, and their mother, Elizabeth Hansen; grandson Jason Edwards and his wife Sandra; great granddaughter Kimberly Edwards; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. He is preceded in death by his daughter Tommie Leine Walker. "Papa", as he affectionately known, first left Denmark as a young boy to pursue a career on the high seas, starting as cabin boy and retiring as chief mate and captain. Commanding many ships, he sailed as a merchant marine, working many years for Lykes Bros. and traveling the world over delivering goods, both during war and peacetime. He became an American citizen in 1949. An honorable discharge was bestowed on him by the U.S. Coast Guard, and he was a member of Masters, Mates and Pilots Local #20 Union. Papa and Lena raised their family in Houston, spent more than 20 years in Pearland, Texas, moving back to Houston's Oak Forest Area in 1988. After his retirement in 1970, the Hansens loved ballroom dancing at the Sons of Hermann, playing bridge with old friends, and RV'ing as lifetime members of the Cruisin' Cajuns. He was a devoted member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church. Papa's energetic enthusiasm for life, fierce independence, and youthful, adventuresome nature will always be an inspiration to all who knew and loved him. WE LOVE YOU, PAPA, AND WILL KEEP YOU IN OUR HEARTS ALWAYS. Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 8, at Pat H. Foley Funeral Home at 1200 W. 34th St., with a rosary in the chapel at 7 p.m. Services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9, at Pat H. Foley, with interment at Hollywood Cemetery, 3506 N. Main.