Harold Wolf Hanson

Harold Wolf Hanson returned home December 10, 2025 after a short 82 years on earth. Without a doubt he was ready to get back to work and anxious for a new assignment to serve and make use of his many talents. He is free of the earthly restraints of pain and suffering that hindered his body, but not his indomitable spirit, in his final months. Heavenly rest isn’t something Harold would be interested in. He is a doer and he will be wherever a job to be done is found. Hopefully there are hammers and shovels in Heaven. We are forever grateful for his love and influence in our lives and know that he will continue to watch over us for eternity.

Harold was welcomed home by his father whom he hadn't seen in nearly 80 years and his mother that he adored. Harold was born to Roy David Hanson and Johanna Magdalena (Martha) Wolf on March 3, 1943. He was the youngest son and devoted to his family throughout his life.

Harold grew up in the close-knit community of Granger, UT with many lifelong friends who joined him in mischievous adventures. We have heard many stories of shenanigans allegedly involving Harold and would love to hear more.

He settled into marriage and family life with the love of his life Fern Shafer. Together they balanced each other with their many talents and willingness to serve. They welcomed three daughters and two sons into their loving home and Harold proved himself to be a wonderful father and provider, always going the extra mile to meet the needs of his family. Losing his father in a car accident at the tender age of five only made him determined to be the best father he could be. He succeeded beyond measure. He was a dad that was always willing and available to help his kids and their families with everything that they needed. He was a dedicated Grandpa.

Harold was the quintessential "jack of all trades." He attended a few college courses, but was mostly educated by the school of hard knocks and his willingness to figure things out. There wasn't a job he wouldn't take on and give it his best effort. Officially he was a bakery helper, an airplane pilot (and owner), Kennecott employee, railroad and construction worker. For 31 years he served as a first responder/firefighter/engineer/EMT for the Salt Lake City Fire Department. There wasn't anything he couldn't build and that included his homes and many structures. He could pour concrete, finish sheetrock, and get a good jump on plumbing and electrical projects. He could weld and fix most anything. He kept his cars running and in tip top shape. Sometimes his methods were unconventional, but he always got the job done. His shop was a veritable warehouse of tools and spare parts. If you needed it, Harold most likely had it. He was meticulously organized with all his inventory and miscellaneous treasures. There wasn't a spare board he couldn't reuse or a pile of bricks that didn't find a purpose. He provided some pretty epic white elephant gifts from his shop inventory. He plowed mountains of snow and harvested forests of firewood throughout his life. Many were spared clearing a driveway themselves and stayed cozy and warm with a roaring fire thanks to his efforts.

Harold loved wandering on an unexplored road, the desert, boating trips to Lake Powell, camper trips to California to visit Disneyland and the beach (although he wasn't the one who actually enjoyed anything in the big city or a crowd of people). National and state parks were explored by the Hanson crew, but more often somewhere on a dirt road. Harold and Fern logged many miles on their red Honda Gold Wing. They loved to see the country in a manner that they could feel the wind and experience the elements with all of their senses on a motorcycle. He never passed up an opportunity to go to the Reno Air Races with his boys and friends. A good buffet was the key to his culinary heart as long as it included seafood and the crab legs were big enough for his liking. Getting a burger with his boys and grandsons was a tradition. He never failed to call on his daughters to do his gift giving shopping last minute. Harold’s doodle art on gift envelopes was legendary and more treasured than the cash they contained. An ever present red can of Coca-Cola sustained him because according to Harold “Coke is the gasoline of life.”

You knew you were loved if you were the recipient of Harold’s merciless teasing or a unique nickname. He had an ever-present twinkle in his trademark blue eyes. He was a well-known prankster. Even on his worst days he offered us a cheesy grimace that he knew would make us smile.

Harold served his country in the military with ten years in the Air National Guard. He served the Lord as a Bishop, countless ward and stake callings, and in missionary service in the Pittsburgh Pennsylvania mission as a senior couple with his favorite companion. He dedicated many years to temple service in Idaho Falls. It was a two-hundred-mile weekly commute to complete that service during long icy winters. He found joy participating on the open house team for the Star Valley Wyoming Temple and as assistant engineer in the first years of operations. He was a lifelong reader of the Book of Mormon.

In their retirement years Harold and Fern established a new home in Star Valley Wyoming. He worked for many years to build their dream sanctuary on the hill overlooking the valley. Harold found great peace and contentment in the cool summer breezes, long winters with an always crackling fire and slower pace in Afton. He never passed up an opportunity to enjoy a few quiet moments on the porch with his beloved black labs at his side (first Ruby and then Piper). He also never passed up an opportunity to serve in the community. In Star Valley he quickly learned that he wasn't done welcoming wonderful people into his life and was blessed with friendship and companionship. The 4th of July in Afton became a reunion tradition for the family and many memories were made at the Hanson home and in the surrounding mountains. Harold's fondest wish would have been to stay in Afton until his last breath.

Harold’s family is grateful for his many friends and loved ones who have walked beside him throughout his life. The love and support shown in his final months touched our souls with many making frequent and some very long trips to spend a few moments with him. The love and dedication of our mother and his beloved companion Fern was truly inspirational. She rarely left his side for more than a moment. Special thanks to his devoted and kind caregivers who went the extra mile to make him comfortable.

Harold was preceded in death by: parents Roy and Martha; siblings Grace (Ralph) Schweppe, Melvin Hanson, Kenneth Hanson, Wayne (Ann) Hanson, Marlene Lorensen & Josephene (DeVel) Gedge.

He is survived by: Fern Hanson, Tracy (Scott) Wagstaff, Vickie (John) Mueller, Blaine (Kristen) Hanson, Jim (Jessie) Hanson, Carolee (Bryce) Jaynes. Seventeen grandsons, three granddaughters and six great grandchildren. His extended family circle includes many in-laws, nieces and nephews and cherished friends.

Memorial services will be held December 23, 2025 at the Valley View Memorial Park Chapel. 4335 W. 4100 So. West Valley, UT. Family & Friends are invited to gather for a visitation 10:00-11:30 am with funeral service to follow at 12:00 pm. The memorial will be webcast and recorded for those unable to attend in person.

Harold’s family requests in lieu of flowers that you do a good deed in his honor or spend some extra time making a memory with loved ones or a new friend. A notation of your stories or memories about Harold would be gratefully received to preserve his legacy for his future posterity. See you soon Hambone. We love you!