John Olaf HANSON

HANSON, John Olaf - (March 11, 1921 July 16, 2007) After a brief illness, John passed away quietly at St. Paul's Hospital. Left to grieve are his wife, Violet, his three children, Marion (David) Gorrie, Don Hanson, Vivian (Keith) Walker, and ten terrific grandchildren: Jonathan, Joel, Katie Gorrie, Rory, Andrew, Annalise Hanson, James, Eric, Graham and Gillian Walker. Other close family include sisters Linnea Tweidt and twin Edith Brierley, sisters-in-law Ruth Fearnside and Eunice Halen, brother-in-law Ken Barr, Heather Hanson, and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. John was predeceased by his parents, Josef and Selma Hanson, brother, Hans, and sister, Sadie (1918). John was born in Wadena to a homesteading, Swedish immigrant family. He loved the land of Saskatchewan and lived all of his life here. After rural school primary education in the Wadena area and town board-and-room high school, he came to Saskatoon to study agriculture at the U of S. He was a proud member of the Class of '43 and remained close with these friends throughout his adult life. Class reunions, as recent as four weeks ago, were highlights and gave initiative to the Class of '43 Bursary Fund within the College of Agriculture. John returned to Wadena to establish a garage / lumber yard business with his older brother, Hans. He met and married Vi (Halen), started their family, and involved himself in many community clubs and activities. Nearby Fishing Lake became their summer home and visiting center for friends and family members. Nieces and nephews were often found picking rocks and enjoying lake visits. John welcomed Hanson and Halen family-get-togethers all his life. With this love of agriculture, John made a career change at the age of 40. He entered the provincial "Ag Rep " force in 1962 with postings to Hudson Bay and Moose Jaw. Between these two, John tackled an educational adventure ('66-67) in Madison, Wisconsin. There he earned his M.Ed. in Ag. Extension, with Vi as typist and kids alongside. Many honours followed John's career in Agriculture. He enjoyed his work and loved the people. 4H friends abounded. Interesting projects and hosting many foreign groups enriched John & Vi's Moose Jaw time. John thrived on his Co-op coffee times, Credit Union board duties, U of R Senate work, and numerous Sask. and Canadian Agrology committees. He retired in 1986 with two years of contract work gently leading John further into his hobbies. Winter adventures to Holiday Village, Mesa, Arizona grew longer each year with John & Vi returning healthier and happy each Easter season. John loved music. He had a beautiful tenor voice that was added to many church and community choirs through the years. Big band swing music was his favourite, especially if he could put on a dapper outfit and dancing shoes. Photography, bridge games, auction sale scouting, and record collecting all warmed his life. He was proud of his Swedish heritage. Two trips to Sweden, language lessons, together with researching valued family memorabilia highlighted this pride. He even earned a recent TV spot on the Antiques Roadshow. John & Vi relocated to Saskatoon to be close to immediate and extended family seven years ago. Many celebrations, gettogethers, as well as farewells, have enriched these years. His quiet, thoughtful, gentle presence will be dearly missed. Many, many thanks to the doctors, nurses, and other staff that lovingly cared for John in the last days of his life here on earth. A celebration of his life will be held at Caleb Manor, Saskatoon on Friday, July 20th at 3 pm. In honour of John's life, donations to the U of S, Agriculture Class of '43 Bursary Fund would be most appreciated. 51 Campus Dr., Saskatoon, Sk. S7N-5A8 MARTENS WARMAN FUNERAL HOME (934-4888). Published in the Regina Leader-Post on 7/18/2007.