Donald Edward Hanson

Don had that quick wit that could stump you. That’s what made Don who he was and his love that he had. Deeply missed, dad would want us to cherish the time we had, learning from him to pass onto our children, keeping the family close with love and care for each other, and supporting each other to keep us all strong through this time.

Gust Hanson homesteaded 2 miles north–west of Tuffnell, SK. He pitched a tent, and then built on a small hill. Gust married Helga Sveum’s in 1905. They had a family of seven. Gust’s son Raymond farmed the home place. He married Jean Arneson and in their family they had Elsie, Alice, Dianne, Phyllis, and Donald. Son of Raymond and Jean Hanson, Donny was born and raised on the Hanson farm in Tuffnell, Sk. Raymond’s son Donald took over the homestead established 1902. Don spent his childhood on this land. He went to B.C to work in the logging industry and then came back home.

He married Cindy on September 3, 1977. They had four crotch goblins; Robyn, Alan, Abby–Fay, and Rylen. Don worked on the farm and seasonal work for Foam Lake R.M for 7 years building roads and running equipment such as buggy, dozer (mushroom pusher).

He took his children everywhere. It did not matter what tractor it was, there was an apple crate in the cab for the kids to sit on or the floor by his clutch or brake pedal with lunch kit and toys, falling asleep with your head banging on the cab window. Don and Cindy had a mixed farm of animals and grain. Dad had his cows and chickens.

During hunting season, he was dressed in orange with his pioneer toque on. The lunch was packed but was usually eaten before Eco Lake with Dad saying “keep it quiet” A few years ago Rylen, Dad, and Shaun went moose hunting. Smoochy had his eye on a moose in the scope of the gun, dad in the back of his ear saying “you better take it”. When they went to get the moose loaded up, Dad tripped over a tree stump, fell to the ground, and bounced back up worried about a horny cow moose coming after them. Hunting up in the north pasture, dad was stuck in the ground blind and a herd of elk almost trampled him over. Dad was so mad, he left the ground blind saying “That’s it! I am done hunting!” The next year, he would be back out there with the boys.

Raymond, his father, was a brilliant mechanic, which he passed along to his son, Don. Don (dad) had the patience to teach his kids the tricks of the trade, as well as his grandkids. Dad was there, only a phone call away, for help or to talk to for advice. Dad had the wisdom to help out in any way. Phone calls were about the weather, the politicians (what Trump was up too), and can’t forget the next auction sale deals (road trip!!!)

Mom kept dad on his toes, but dad had some witty comebacks. Their love and their strength built a life together and made them stronger for each other. They could get through anything together; hard times or not. Their love had grown together for 47 years. Don (dad) never complained, just moms cooking haha.

He was a caring, loving man who loved his family and cherished the time he had. His children and grandkids looked up to their dad/papa for his wit and courage.

The three things he believed in and taught his children walk away from to trouble, be honest and work at what you enjoy.

The three things he loved in life was his passion to farm, his family and his cow’s.

The three things he did best were to feed his children, feed his cows and keep his mouth shut.

The three things he hated was a farm dog that didn’t listen, a heifer that couldn’t calf and that there wasn’t enough time in a day.

The three things he realized too late in life was the beauty of nature, the joy with family and friends and his own health.

The three things he wants now is for you to enjoy your passion in life, be happy and spend time together as a family.

Don was predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Jean; his sister, Phyllis; brothers-in-law, Lloyd Scramstead, Warner Schrader, and Al Wall; and his nephews, Darren and Vicky.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Cindy, and their children and grandchildren: daughter Robyn Hanson and her children Jozie (Levi), Thor, and Kaybree (Kyle); son Alan (Channy) Hanson and their children Gage, Maddex, and Kinslee; daughter Abby (Shaun) Snelling and their daughter Harper; and son Rylen Hanson, along with his beloved fur-granddog, Trigger. Don is also survived by his sisters Elsie, Alice, and Diane. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins, including Phyllis’s sons, Dennis and Brent, and their families.

Memorial Donations

Donations in Donald’s memory can be made to:

Tuffnel Hall

Tuffnel, SK • S0A 4G0