Obituary of George Hansen

GEORGE WILLIAM HANSEN (April 19, 1923 - November 21, 2006) EULOGY I was six years old when by dad taught me how to milk cows and this is my dad's milking stool I'm sitting on here today. He taught me how to work hard, respect people and to be honest. I'm honored to tell stories and memories of our dad. He was born on April 19, 1923 in Islay, Alberta to Bill and Annie Hansen. He is survived by his wife Joyce, children: Rod (Faye) Hansen, Lyle (Liz) Hansen, Fay (Barry) George, Heather Hansen, Bill (Val) Hansen, Tracy (Ian) Kay; Grandchildren: Jason (Yvonne) Hansen, Jessica Hansen, Colby and Carson George, Athena and Savanna Hansen, Clare Brown, and Kimberly and Brian Humphries, one great-grandchild, Kenna Humphries; two brothers, Bob and Bruce Hansen, one sister, Freda (Bob) Cheek plus numerous nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his parents Bill and Annie Hansen. Mom and Dad were married for fifty-three years. During this time, dad was a cattle and a grain farmer along side his brother Bob. Dad used to ride horseback to and from Riverton School until the age of eleven. Then the family relocated to his father's homestead, a brand new log house where his brother Bob presently lives. Dad worked at the OB Ranch for a time, then he moved back home to help his father on the farm until he met and married Joyce Castel in August of 1954. By this time he had purchased the Duckering farm which remained his home for the next fifty-three years. For many years the family milked a few cows by hand, so they enjoyed fresh milk, cream and butter. Pearl Hames would applaud dad for being a wonderful provider for his family, having six children but still full granaries and always food on the table. And all raised on the farm. Bill Meiklejohn tells of the time dad was working for Bill's dad. Dad traveled to the fair on a Tuesday and the next day Bill wanted to go. But they were in the middle of haying and dad had used up all the gas, so being clever they filled a clear just with purple gas and left it in the sun to bleach. When it was clear and the haying was done, off they went to the fair. When Uncle Billy Durnin passed away dad helped Aunt Nellie with chores and upkeep around the farm. He lost his thumb in a waterpump jack accident and would tease his nieces, nephews and numerous other kids when fooling with them that they had pulled it off. At thew age of seventeen dad went to Dundern, Saskatchewan to a six to eight week training program with the armed forces reserves but was exempt from serving in WWII because he had lost his thumb. Dad was a charter member of the Marwayne Elks, going through the chairs to become Exalted Rulers and District Deputy. He enjoyed representing Marwayne with the traveling gavel, conventions, and many enjoyable times with fellow members. He was also a lifetime member of the Marwayne Chamber of Commerce. He cut the ribbon at the opening ceremonies of the newly paved Highway #897 from Marwayne to Lea Park. I remember as a young boy dad told us not to go down to the creek during spring runoff. Wondering as to why we couldn't, the Cheek children and us Hansen boys had to check it out. That was a mistake. I slid into the creek water, and exclaimed, "Oh no, here I go!" Dad was standing at the road watching and saying, "Oh no, here I come!" I believe brother Rod caught the willow for that incident. I guess he was the oldest and was supposed to have known better. In later years dad was very instrumental in the development of the new Lea Park Golf Club. He enjoyed some years of active golfing and many hours of visiting and 'supervising' the growth of the club with his grandson 'Little Smokey," Jason. Although dad wasn't a curler, he enjoyed watching it on TV. He also followed the sports his children were involved in. One of dad's biggest interests was his grandchildren. They gave him immense pleasure and pride. Until he could no longer get around, dad would spend his afternoons visiting at the hotel with his brother Bob. Many locals would join them for a story or two or just to reminisce. Dad was a very special father and he loved all his family and friends. He loved life to the fullest and will be sorely missed. (P.S. Dad , meet you at the Outsiders Inn.) Lyle Hansen Special thanks to Dr. Chapelski, Vital Air, Marwayne Fire and Rescue, McCaw Funeral Service, Reverend Bob Aldrich, Joanne Horton, Yvette Barnett, and the Royal Purple. Thank you for all the phone calls, all the food brought to the house, the cards and donations. Joyce Hansen and family Donations in memory of George may be made to the Marwayne Fire & Rescue Squad or to a Charity of the Donor's Choice.