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Joined: 28 Mar 2008 Posts: 1460 Location: Eagle, Nebraska

I just heard that Bill Hanus passed away. Trying to learn if it is actually true. Anyone hear this? Truly sad deal, he was big supporter of the 16ga and a good man.

Joined: 07 Mar 2010 Posts: 483 Location: South Eastern PA

Yes, I saw on another site that his wife found him collapsed on the floor.

RIP Bill Hanus.

I just spoke with Betty, his widow, and indeed he passed on last week.

I told her our prayers were with her and asked if there was anything that
we on the forum could assist with.

She thanked us for our concerns and said that she had folks and friends local that were helping her to close out the business

Mike

P.S.

http://www.billhanusbirdguns.com/archive11.html

Member Joined: 19 Jan 2008 Posts: 682 Location: MAINE

Bought several firearms from him . He had an extensive knowledge on small gauge shotguns , especially the 16 . RIP Bill .

At 84 Bill lived a long life. Still, sorry to see him go. He was a big promoter of the 16ga.

Joined: 20 Feb 2012 Posts: 36 Location: North central Ohio

I had just spoken to Mr. Hanus a couple weeks ago about a gun I ordered from him.He was a pleasure to speak with, and a kind ,honest man.

Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 4 Location: Santa Cruz CA

God rest his soul.

Bill's passing will be a great loss to the fine gun community. Let's hope all his knowledgable on-line archives are saved some where for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

God rest his kind soul........

Bill's passing will be a great loss to the fine gun community. Let's hope all his knowledgable on-line archives are saved some where for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

God rest his kind soul........

Member Joined: 19 Mar 2007 Posts: 279 Location: Mn

Ditto all the remarks. I had reason to talk to him in the past about the 28ga..Very Knowledgable

Nice obituary in the local Oregon paper ... declares that Bill's favorite gauge was the 16 ... How's that for a final salute to our favorite gauge....

http://www.newportnewstimes.com/v2_news_articles.php?heading=0&story_id=35603&page=74

Joined: 08 Oct 2005 Posts: 241

I bought a 16 gauge Bill Hanus Birdgun in 1992 and still own it to this day. Despite what the guru’s claim about 26 inch barrels and the Beavertail fore end/straight grip/single trigger combo, the gun is deadly in the field.
When I did the deal I spoke with Bill Hanus at length and found him very knowledgeable and personable. There was a problem with the purchase; specifically the fitted case that came with the gun was not a match. The gun did not fit. I called Mr. Hanus and he arranged to have the case sent directly to the manufacturer. The case came back in a few weeks and it was perfect.
This was my first real long distance, high dollar (for me) purchase and at the time I was grumbling about the screw up. I veteran gun trader at the gun club gave me great advice that I found very true over all my dealing in the last 21 years. He said, “It is a rare gun purchase that doesn’t involve a problem or a screw up. However you know you’re dealing with a quality man if they fix the problem. “
In the last two decades I have found that to be the gospel. Bill Hanus was a quality man and I will mourn his passing. Rest in Peace Bill!

Member Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 1257 Location: Nebraska

Sad news. Always liked the photo of him and his English Cocker Spaniel, they looked like a couple of fast friends!

Wherever he lived, through Bill’s lifelong love of gardening, he created beauty and a sanctuary to be appreciated by family, friends and neighbors.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Hanus; son, Jeff (Kristy); daughters, Debby and Sandy; granddaughters, Nicole (Charles), Katelyn and Taylor; and two great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, OR.

A memorial was held Tuesday evening, Sept. 18, at Longview Hills clubhouse in Newport.

Member Joined: 25 Oct 2010 Posts: 199 Location: NJ

Sad news about Bill. I bought the 28 ga. Derby shown in the rail photos from him long ago...a real prize of my "collection". He filled an important role as a dealer who understood bird guns and made excellent ones available at reasonable prices.