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Barton foundation receives estate gift

Linda Thompson, Barton Hospital Foundation
Provided to the TribuneRuth and Bill Hanan named the Barton Foundation as one of the recipients in their Charitable Reminder Unitrust and left the foundation a gift of $239,053.
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Every so often people come along and impact our lives in ways we never thought possible. We all are busy and get wrapped up in the things we do on a daily basis. Sometimes the roller coaster seems to move a little faster than we’d like, but in the end, we’ve all accomplished something and left our mark with someone.

Such is the case with the late Bill and Ruth Hanan. They accomplished everything they set their minds to, played as much as possible, established close friendships along the way and shared their success with the rest of us.

Barton Hospital Foundation was recently notified of an estate gift that was established in 1995 by the Hanans. Barton Foundation was one of the recipients they named in their Charitable Reminder Unitrust and will be receiving a gift totaling $239,053.



Why did they include Barton in their finals plans? Ruth had once mentioned that she had stayed in Barton a few times and was always treated well, both medically and compassionately. She understood the importance of having quality health care facilities that were easily accessible. Bill, on the other hand, just wanted to share with the community and make life better for all of us. By making this contribution, they felt that Barton Hospital could continue to provide the quality services and cover additional costs for added programs or immediate medical needs that would arise in the years ahead. Ruth commented years ago, “We felt this was a nice thing to do for the community.”

Bill and Ruth created their own lifetime success. Wise investments, hard work and perseverance helped them along the way. When Bill finished his armed service duty after World War II, he formed their company, Bay Cities Containers, in Downey, Calif. The company made boxes of every shape, size and durability. Ruth was active as a board member of the company while Bill served as the hands-on president. Although Bill spent much of his time building the business, he later found the importance of friends and leisure time.



Since the 1970s, they moved part time to Glenbrook, they made many lifelong friends and spent time traveling, water and jet skiing, golfing and snow skiing. Talking with Barney and Martha Barneson, longtime close friends, they recall Bill had to be the first on the hill — no matter how cold or bitter the conditions were. Ruth, on the other hand, always looked good and ready, but was seldom found on the slopes. You could typically find her in the stores nearby doing what she enjoyed the most.

They were giving people from the start through the end. They raised two children and attracted many friends. Social gatherings at their home became tradition and the famous “oyster stew” at Christmas will live on in the memories of those closest to them.

Their giving will live on in all of us, as the funding they have designated for the Barton Foundation will be placed in the Unrestricted Fund and used for programs and services that will directly impact patient care through the Barton HealthCare System. Giving does and will continue to make a dramatic difference. Our sincere thanks to the Hanans for being our friends.


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