Bengt E. Hansson

HOLDEN - Bengt Eve Helge Hansson, 97, passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021 due to complications from COVID-19. He was predeceased by his wife, Marta I. Hansson, in June 2011 and a brother, Ebbe Hansson, in 1988. Bengt leaves a son, Bengt A. and his wife, Susan Hansson of Princeton; a daughter, A. Kristina Hansson and her husband, Miles P. Smith of Oakham. Bengt was known as “Farfar” to his granddaughter Jennifer and her husband, Chad Farnsworth of Lunenburg; and his grandson, James and his wife, Elizabeth Hansson of Holden. Bengt enjoyed his great grandchildren, Austin and Cooper Farnsworth of Lunenburg, who knew him as “Gamla Farfar.” Bengt leaves his friend and traveling companion, Barbara Wyatt of West Boylston. Bengt is survived by his sister, Inger Johansson of Kumla, Sweden, along with many nephews and nieces in Sweden.

Born in 1924 in rural Eket, Sweden, Bengt rode his bike to and from college while earning his degree in chemical engineering. This degree led to a career with the Swedish company, Astra Pharmaceuticals. In 1956 Bengt moved to the United States with his wife and son to continue his work for Astra. He retired from Astra after 35 years of service.

During retirement Bengt remained very active. His real passion over the past 30 years was financial investing and estate planning. Bengt was always happy to offer guidance to those seeking his wisdom and experience.
All that knew Bengt, looked forward to the memorable annual tradition of his homemade Glögg. Bengt especially enjoyed teaching his craft to his grandchildren, to whom he passed his secret recipe.

Bengt was an active member of the Worcester Rotary Club for over 55 years. One of the highlights of the Rotary Club social calendar was Bengt’s annual Glögg party. His lifetime-love of skiing began in Sweden as a young boy. As a member of the "Top of the Hill Gang", Bengt was given the opportunity to travel and ski different mountains with those that also shared a passion for the sport. Although he eventually gave up skiing at the age of 89, he continued to go on trips with his many friends from the group.

Bengt’s commitment to living a healthy lifestyle provided him the gift of 97 years to enjoy life, his family and his friends.

A memorial service honoring Bengt’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 2 at Holden Chapel, 279 Reservoir Street, Holden. Burial will follow at Grove Cemetery, Holden. Arrangements are under the care of Miles Funeral Home, 11589 Main Street, Holden.

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