Tom Hansen graduated from Carlsbad High School. He received his Bachelor's degree from Eastern New Mexico University, and his Master's from New Mexico State University.

A New Mexican through and through, Tom loved Ruidoso more than any place on earth. When he relocated to Carlsbad in 1991, he always dreamed of returning to the mountains.

Tom served as the principal of Ruidoso High School from 1972 - 1990, and Carlsbad High School from 1991-1997.

Tom was a true Renaissance man. He was a master craftsman in woodworking, cabinet making and home design, and an exorbitantly talented artist whose most beloved mediums were drawing, acrylic painting, and stained glass. After his first stained glass class the instructor told him he didn't need to take many more classes. He designed beautiful, original glass pieces always with a million more projects in mind.

Tom adored antique cars, really any cars, and motorcycle touring. He loved going fast! His father kept all the speeding tickets he got in High School - there were 17!

He was a phenomenal cook, who loved to experiment with recipes. His favorite cuisines were Mexican and Cajun food.

Most importantly, though, was the love he had for his wife Anita, and his children. He could scold you like nobody's business and then hug the breath right out of you.