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Dr. John Hansen of Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, who made pivotal contributions to the field of transplantation immunology, died of pancreatic cancer July 31 at home with family. The emeritus faculty member was 76.

Over his five-decade career, Hansen demonstrated how genetic variation in the immune system contributes to the success or failure of a bone marrow transplant, and he defined fundamental immunological rules for finding suitable donors for each patient in need of a transplant. He founded repositories of patient samples and data that have become crucial research resources, continuing to yield new insights into the immune system and improvements for transplant patients.

Hansen also played a key role in the worldwide establishment of registries of potential bone marrow or blood stem cell donors. Thanks to his early involvement and longtime leadership in this field, tens of millions of people are now listed in these registries, and at least 1.3 million transplants of blood-forming stem cells or bone marrow have been performed worldwide. The fact that most of these transplants are now between unrelated individuals is a testament to his foundational discoveries in transplantation immunology, colleagues say.

“The contributions that John made in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were extraordinary,” said Fred Hutch President and Director Dr. Gary Gilliland. “His work extended transplantation on a global scale. He invigorated this idea that we all need to support each other as a community — and that we all need to come together to think about ways to treat patients who have cancers that can be cured with bone marrow transplantation. Measured in the number of human lives saved, few physician-scientists have had the impact that he had during his lifetime and will continue to have.”

“John was a scientific pioneer and a true gentleman — a powerful combination,” said Dr. Nancy Davidson, senior vice president and director of the Hutch’s Clinical Research Division and holder of its Endowed Chair for Breast Cancer Research, president and director of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and head of the Division of Medical Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. “Countless patients and families benefited from his expertise and his compassion. I am grateful for his legacy to the field of stem cell transplantation and to Fred Hutch.”

Hansen is survived by his wife, Suzanne, and adult children Eric Hansen and family, Peter Hansen and family, Connie Jenson and family, and Nicholas Hansen. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Ann Wilson Hansen, and parents Ruth and Alfred Hansen.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 8501 SE 40th St., Mercer Island, Washington, 98040. A reception will follow immediately at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, 1836 72nd Ave. SE, Mercer Island, Washington, 98040.

Memorial gifts can be made to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to the Hansen-Fisher Endowment.