ALBERT FREDRICK HANSON

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ALBERT FREDRICK HANSON Passed away peacefully on December 21, 2010 at Deer Lodge Center. Albert was predeceased by his wife Ellen Toots in 2003, brothers and sisters Roy, Kay, Carl, Ruth, Bud, and Norman. He is survived by two sisters Hazel Bauer and Frances Malmgren and many nieces, nephews and friends. Albert was born in Winnipeg on September 7, 1915, the third out of nine children. He spent his childhood growing up in East Kildonan. In his early teens, he met his future wife Toots at the local skating rink. Soon after that Toots moved with her family to Hamilton. Albert, as a young teenager grew up during the great depression. Feeling the financial burden on his parents, he left home in the early 1930s riding the rails in search of work for food and any extra money that he could send back home. His travels brought him to Southern Ontario, where he eventually met up with his childhood sweetheart - Toots. Their courtship continued until Albert joined the service in 1941 and went overseas. At the conclusion of the Second World War in 1945, Albert returned to Hamilton this time to marry Toots. Soon after their marriage they returned to Winnipeg and settled down in the Elmwood area. Albert received his journeyman carpentry certificate and was employed by the Winnipeg School Division where he worked for over 30 years retiring in 1980. Albert and Toots were very avid sports enthusiasts and together got involved in various local bowling and curling leagues. They took up what would become their very favourite sport - golf. They became long standing members of the Pine Ridge Golf Club. Albert's interest at Pine Ridge was not only golf. He spent countless hours on tree planting, gardening, stone work, fence work, etc. One of Albert's most recognized adornments throughout the golf course was his hand made Purple Martin bird houses and feeders. In recognition of all his hard work and contributions to the club, in 1972 Albert was awarded the rare distinction of Honorary Life Membership and in 1980 was elected the club's Honorary President. Besides golf, other sports, building bird houses and gardening, Albert was a skilled wood carver. Many of his creations were of birds and other animals that were displayed throughout his home. Albert and Toots' interests also included travelling. This interest escalated after his retirement in 1980. Over the next several years they made many trips with friends all over the world. Albert was a very kind, gentle, caring and generous person. He was always willing to help his neighbours, friends and family any way he could. He touched many lives along his great 95 year journey and will be sadly missed. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, January 8, 2011, 1:00 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Home with interment to follow in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all the staff at Shaftsbury Park retirement residence and in recent months all the staff in tower 4 at Deer Lodge Center. Arrangements entrusted to: KLASSEN FUNERAL HOME 1897 Henderson Hwy. 338-0331 Send expressions of sympathy at www.klassenfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2011