Terry “George” Ray Hansford passed away unexpectedly in Citrus Heights, California, on Feb. 4, 2026. He was born on Nov. 15, 1957, in Burbank, California, to Yvonette (nee Dahlquist) and Harland T. Hansford.
Terry grew up and attended schools in California until 1973 when his family moved to St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin. He graduated from St. Croix Falls High School in 1975.
In 1978 he married Lori Lindh, and to this union, one son was born in 1982, George J. Hansford. Also in 1982, Terry attended WITC in New Richmond, Wisconsin, where he received his degree in small engine repair. In 1983 he represented WITC in a contest where he won first place, which moved him on to the national contest held in Lexington, Kentucky. He won first place and received a gold medal, and met and shook hands with President Ronald Reagan.
In 1985 he married Sandy Warming, moved back to California, and worked for Honda Motorcycles. Then in 1996 he met and married Peg Sampson; they were married for 30 years at the time of his death.
Terry liked to be called George after a great-uncle who had saved Terry’s father from drowning as a child. He enjoyed motorcycle riding and snowmobiling, and he loved being in the mountains. He and his wife Peg would also spend time on the beaches of northern California in their motor home.
Terry is survived by his wife Peg of Citrus Heights; his mother, Yvonette Hansford of St. Croix Falls; his son, George (Erin) Hansford of Frederic, Wisconsin; his sisters Diana (Paul) Martinson of St. Croix Falls, and Kim (Dan) Kitabjian of Murrieta, California; his brother, Gary Dodson of Liberty, Missouri; granddaughters, Lily and Taylor Hansford of Frederic; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
A memorial and burial service will be held on Monday, May 18, 2026, at Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Vancouver, Washington.
