From the Bible: Luke 6:45. “A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart. A good man does not wait to be asked. He leads in decency, kindness, and generosity. He pursues what is right and does it gladly, with an open hand and a compassionate heart.”
Many terms could be used to describe Norman Hansen — dedicated family man, a man of faith, proud Marine, hardworking public servant, and accomplished town manager with a priceless sense of humor. These terms are all the more remarkable due to the fact that he grew up as a poor orphan during the Great Depression. He overcame a tough lot in life and forged a career as one of the town’s most respected citizens.
Norman Bjarne Hansen was born in Berlin, New Hampshire, on July 8, 1924, to the late Bjarne and Dagne (Johnson) Hansen, but sadly, his mother passed away when he was six years old. Two paternal aunts took over raising him throughout his young life, and he cherished both of them. Norman loved the outdoors and excelled at both football and hockey in his high school years.
Shortly after graduating from high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II. He served with the 4th division stationed in Maui, where he met and shared quarters with Thomas McGee, former speaker of the House. Together, they were shipped out to conflicts in the Marshall Islands, Saipan, Tinian, and Iwo Jima. During his service, he survived some of the bloodiest campaigns in the war, including the Battle of Iwo Jima.
Once discharged in 1945, Norman moved to Lynn to live with his brother and enrolled in Burdett Business College. According to a well-known informant, Norman, who could pass for the movie star Errol Flynn, spied Evelyn Pratt as she was getting ready to leave a dance they both attended. He ran after her, asked for her telephone number, which she gladly gave to him. That chance meeting lit the spark of a love story that lasted a lifetime.
The wedding was held at her parents’ home on Easter Sunday with more than 100 attendees, and for the next 20 years, Norman was employed at the General Electric Company as an accountant. He was also a talented carpenter, and in 1946, the couple purchased property on Adams Avenue. Norman built their home with his own sweat, hands, and tools.
No doubt, the friendship with his now Democratic father-in-law, County Commissioner C.F. Nelson Pratt, eventually drew him into the hot political bed of Saugus, and when the present town accountant became ill and resigned, Norman saw his chance, took the Civil Service Exam, and was appointed town accountant.
His political affiliations and volunteer contributions to the town over the years were extensive. He served as a member of the Finance Committee, temporary town manager from 1973-74, 1977-78, and 1978-81, coached Little League baseball, was one of the founders of Saugus Youth Hockey, a member of the VFW Post 2346, American Legion Post 210, and the DAV, all while he and his wife were ‘keeping house’ and raising five children. When elected to the Select Board, he was voted in as its chairman 5-0.
Due to his close relationships with many Saugonians, he became known and respected throughout the town for his financial acumen, and in the late 80s, he was appointed full-time town manager from 1987 to 1991.
Saugonian Newspaper Reporter Madeline Marino interviewed several members of the selectmen while Norman was town manager. Selectman Bob Long recalled an incident, saying, “During a very heated discussion, the town manager turned to us and rather bluntly asked, ‘Ok, you five ran for office, now tell me what you want me to do.’
“Town Manager Hansen was the last Saugus manager who truly believed in the Charter as written; the manager runs the municipal operations on a daily basis and reports to the selectmen. Norm did not expect us to be, his words, ‘just pretty faces showing up for business ribbon cuttings,’” Selectman Long continued. “If an important issue came up, the town manager called all of us one at a time. He is a terrific person; a ‘rock solid’ town manager, and I think the world of him.”
During his tenure as town manager, the selectmen’s office and the town manager’s office were side by side with doors open to the public most of the time. A second door was shared between the town manager and the Board in between both offices in the back of the rooms. Offices were open to the public, benches lined both sides of the hall for public convenience, and oftentimes, Norman would wander out to the lobby, greeting residents and engaging in conversations.
Marino also interviewed Chairman of the BOS Janette Fasano, who said, “I credit him for treating taxpayer dollars as if they had come from his own pockets. He cared about our town; Saugus was his second family.”
Another interview with former Fire Chief James Blanchard: “I grew up several doors down from the Hansen family. Mr. Hansen came from a hard-scrabble family background, pulled himself up by the bootstraps, and went on to be very successful in all aspects of his life. He never forgot where he came from; he was a distinguished role model for all of us.”
Marino also met with both Norman and Evelyn Hansen, and the couple shared many thoughts on their lives together. “We each had separate roles as parents,” Evelyn explained. “I tended to the needs of our family and others, and we had to share a car! I was raised in a political family and familiar with the needs and duties of a public official. I did my job, and Norm did his. We worked as a team.”
Marino commented to me on how she saw firsthand the love, respect, and humor each partner shared. When she asked their ages, Norm proudly replied, “I am 79 7/12th, and Evelyn is 77 19/24th.” Though Evelyn looked a little pained, she did chuckle, “Keep in mind, Madeline, he’s an accountant!”
Norman retired in 1991, and neither his staff nor the public would let him go without a proper send-off. Accountants Betty Quinlan, Gail Peach, and others booked the Caruso Diplomat on Route One to host the event. Tickets were sold out in three days, and the Diplomat was filled with more than four hundred well-wishers.
A parade formed from the back of the hall and was led by Public Works Director Joe Attubato, followed by Randy Briand carrying the American Flag. Then came the Saugus High School Band, police and fire chiefs, town and school officials, clergy, Marines, bank presidents, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, sports figures — all marching in to “America the Beautiful.” Everyone was standing, clapping, and some with tears welling up in their eyes, paying a most deserved tribute to a great and beloved man as the entire parade passed by the head table honoring the Hansen family.
Those shared farewell moments will never be forgotten.
Norman and Evelyn were married for 62 years. Evelyn passed on May 6, 2009, and Norman passed on Oct. 27, 2014, at 90 years of age. Town Manager Norman Hansen was a man of faith, of courage, and respect for everyone; he was one of the most beloved men to ever walk amongst us.
Janice K. Jarosz is a Saugus resident.
