Stewart Hanson Jr. dies — Utah judge in Bundy trial

Former state judge Stewart Hanson Jr., 69, died March 30, 2008.

Mr. Hanson was perhaps best known for presiding over the 1976 Utah aggravated kidnapping trial of Ted Bundy and sentencing Bundy to up to 15 years in prison. Serial killer Bundy later was extradited to Colorado, where he escaped from jail, went on a crime spree and was eventually executed for murder in Florida.

Mr. Hanson was the Democratic nominee for governor in 1992. He had served in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve, graduated from Westminster College, got his law degree from the University of Utah and for many years was an attorney in private practice.

Mr. Hanson had most recently served as chief of the civil litigation division in the Utah Attorney General's Office until his retirement in 2005.

"Besides being one of the best lawyers the state has ever produced, Stewart Hanson was a decent and honorable man. He gave exceptional legal representation to Utah and was an inspirational leader and mentor to numerous attorneys in our office," said Attorney General Mark Shurtleff.

"As division chief, Stewart provided trusted advice to me on how to better serve the people of Utah. He was a friend and colleague, and we will miss him dearly. Our hearts and prayers go out to DeAnne and their children, along with our sincere gratitude for sharing Stewart with us and the state of Utah."

A celebration of Mr. Hanson's life is scheduled for 2 p.m. on April 5 at Westminster College, 1840 S. 1300 East.