Mark Russell Hansen

Mark Russell Hansen, age 73, passed away on January 20, 2026, in Provo, Utah, from complications related to Parkinson’s disease and vascular dementia. He was attended by his wife and daughter.

Born on October 11, 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Mark was the oldest of five children born to Jay Russell and Marilyn Hendricks Hansen. He grew up in Magna, Utah, where his sense of responsibility and purpose was evident early. He was such a serious child that neighbors called him “The Little Professor.”

Music was not something he enjoyed casually. It was a calling—one that demanded discipline, intention, and care, and one that also brought deep joy. Long before he had access to a real instrument, he built one of his own in the basement—a makeshift Baldwin organ constructed from two-by-fours, with the keyboard drawn in marker—where he practiced and imagined the music he would one day play. By the age of twelve, he was serving as his ward organist. Piano and organ became his primary instruments and lifelong companions. As a teenager, he taught private piano lessons, accompanied ensembles, and served as accompanist and music director for theatrical productions in high school, including Amahl and the Night Visitors and Handel’s Messiah. Music was purposeful work, undertaken with delight and devotion.

Mark earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory from the University of Utah, a Master of Music in Piano Performance from Brigham Young University, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of North Texas. His musical education was shaped by distinguished mentors, including Alicia de Larrocha, Paul Pollei, Joseph Banowetz, Joanne Baker, and Gladys Gladstone—teachers who influenced not only his musicianship, but his careful, exacting, and thoughtful approach to music-making.

He was recognized as a Steinway Artist. On the Steinway Artists roster, he wrote: “I can’t imagine my life as a pianist without the superb sound and action of Steinway pianos. These instruments are truly my most important musical partners and friends. Yes — a fabulous piano can truly be a friend!” The statement reflects the partnership he felt with his craft and the instruments through which he gave voice to it.

Mark served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the country of Spain, an experience that shaped the course of his life. There, he developed a lasting devotion to Spanish music, especially the works of composer-pianist Enrique Granados. He held a deep respect for the Spanish language and culture, and a conviction that music could be a form of service. That experience set much in motion: a focused academic path, meaningful professional relationships, and a life of teaching and ministry grounded in purpose.

For many years Mark served as a professor, administrator, and leader in higher music education. His career took his family to Texas, Arkansas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Idaho. He was Music Department Chair at Western Illinois University and Boise State University, and the founding director of the Sunderman Conservatory of Music at Gettysburg College. In each role, he was known for building programs carefully, mentoring faculty thoughtfully, and shaping institutions with quiet vision. At Western Illinois University, he played a significant role in the transformation of a former gymnasium into a first-class concert hall—an accomplishment in which he took particular pride, believing deeply that music deserved spaces worthy of its craft and intent.

At Boise State University he launched an All-Steinway School initiative to replace old instruments with quality Steinway. That launch came in the form of a half-time performance of Rhapsody in Blue with the Blue Thunder Marching band on a blue Steinway, on the famous blue turf. The initiative was successful. Steinway and affiliate pianos now grace every practice room, studio, and stage at BSU.

Teaching remained central to his life’s work. He taught many private piano students, as well as organ and music theory students, and was especially devoted to mentoring graduate students in each of the places he taught. Former students often shared that he believed in them—sometimes before they believed in themselves. He believed that music mattered, not casually, but as disciplined work worthy of serious effort. For him, music was also a source of meaning and joy. He held high standards, not out of judgment, but because he recognized what others were capable of becoming. He rarely gave easy answers, choosing instead to invite students to discover understanding through thoughtful inquiry and persistence.

Throughout his life, Mark’s faith was at the core of everything he did. While he was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he also served with devotion as an organist and music minister in other Christian denominations, including First United Methodist Church in Conway, Arkansas, and St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Boise, Idaho. Through his musical ministry, he built bridges between congregations and traditions, approaching music as an act of worship and a means of Christ-centered service. He continued in this work until his retirement in April 2023.

His faith also found expression in leadership and service. During his missionary years in Spain, he helped organize a traveling musical program designed to invite church members and friends to learn about the church through music. Later, while living in Illinois, he and his wife were invited to serve on the planning committee for the music of the Nauvoo Temple open house and dedication. Over many months, he prepared multiple choirs drawn from the surrounding temple district—an experience remembered for its reverence, careful preparation, and spiritual depth. Throughout his life, he served in numerous music, teaching, and leadership callings, including service on high councils.

He was deeply devoted to his family. He was profoundly proud of his daughter, Alicia, her musicianship, her perseverance, and the life she built. He delighted in being a grandfather to Hadley Falconbury and Hazel Bradford, cherishing quiet, ordinary moments—greeting Hazel after naps, being pushed through the house in his wheelchair, and simply being near them. He loved his siblings, extended family - cousins, nieces, and nephews, and held deep respect for his parents and in-laws.

Those who knew Mark often described him as elegant and warm—reserved at first, but generous and kind once known. People felt welcomed in his presence and knew they were loved, never judged. While he never lowered his expectations, those around him understood that his standards were rooted in belief—in who they could become—and that belief brought both confidence and joy. Mark enjoyed good food, thoughtful conversation, and witty banter, and wherever he and his wife lived, they formed lasting friendships around shared meals. He loved British television, particularly crime dramas and comedies, appreciated a clever and irreverent joke, and at home revealed a gentle, playful side filled with made-up language, teasing, and laughter.

The family is deeply grateful for the compassionate care shown to Mark in his final months. They extend sincere thanks to the staff of Stonehenge of Orem, Cove Point Retirement, and to his angelic hospice care team from Belle Vie Hospice for their kindness, professionalism, presence, and family support during the final season of his life.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Jay and Marilyn Hansen; his brother, Ron Hansen; and his sister, Joyce Hansen. He is survived by his wife, Lise Haymond Hansen; his daughter, Alicia Bradford (Josh); his granddaughters, Hadley Falconbury and Hazel Bradford; and his sisters, Peggy Hansen Millet and Diane Hansen Castro (Fabian).

Mark’s life reflects a quiet and enduring truth: legacy is not what one leaves behind, but what one sets in motion. This is Mark’s legacy: his students, those with which he made music, and the lives of those he loved.

An evening viewing will be held for family and friends on Sunday, January 25, 2026 from 6-8 pm at Wheeler-Sundberg Funeral Home of Orem, 495 South Street, Orem, Utah. Funeral services will be on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 422 East Holdaway Road (400 South) Vineyard, Utah, with a viewing held that morning from 9:30-10:30 am at the church prior to the services.

Condolences for the family may be expressed on this page.

For those unable to attend the services in person, you may view the Livestream HERE