Brian Roddick Hanson

Brian Roddick Hanson, 80, of Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025. Born on July 5, 1945, in Estevan, Saskatchewan, he lived a life marked by curiosity, dedication, and love for family.

As a child, he enjoyed figure skating and the adventures of rural life, including shooting varmints. At the height of the Cold War, he joined the militia, demonstrating his sense of duty early on. He later moved to Winnipeg to pursue higher education at the University of Manitoba, earning both graduate and post-graduate degrees in Psychology.

His career reflected his passion for helping others and shaping education. After a brief role with the Federal Government in Ottawa, he worked as a psychologist at Selkirk Mental Hospital, where he was part of the Northern Mental Health team, traveling to remote communities to provide care. He then became Director of Counselling at Red River College, later serving as Vice-President of Student Services. His commitment to education continued at the Manitoba Department of Education, where he rose to Director of Administration and Professional Certification. A highlight of his career was traveling to Beijing to help establish schools offering Manitoba curriculum, enabling students to graduate with Manitoba diplomas.

He married his beloved wife, Dawn (née McLachlan), in 1971. Together they raised two children: Kristin (married to Alex Schneider), who predeceased him, and Evan (married to Darie Hanson), with whom he shared the joy of two grandchildren, Maks and Malin. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always prioritizing family through thoughtful gestures and generous giving.

Known for his sharp memory and organizational skills, he pursued hobbies with passion. He was an avid car enthusiast, particularly fond of Porsche, owning two models and sharing his knowledge of the brand’s history. In 2012, he traveled to Germany with Evan and Alex to visit the Porsche, Mercedes, and BMW museums—a cherished experience. He also took pride in his home, maintaining a pristine yard, crystal-clear pool, and snow-free driveways. His love of music spanned country, light rock, and classical genres, and he enjoyed documentaries on science, technology, and history, retaining facts with remarkable precision.

A seasoned traveler, he explored destinations across North America, Europe, and Asia, including Hawaii, the UK, Switzerland, Germany, Scandinavia, France, Iceland, China, Malaysia, and Thailand. He faced cancer twice with courage and resilience, continuing to fulfill his family responsibilities throughout his treatments.

He will be remembered for his intellect, generosity, and unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 15, 2026, 2pm at Thomson "In The Park" Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba.

“Though he is gone from our sight, his love and wisdom remain with us always. We will carry his strength and kindness in our hearts forever.”