Mr. Albert Frederick Hanson

Passed away peacefully on Dec. 21st, 2010 at Deer Lodge Center.

Albert was predeceased by his wife Ellen “Toots” in 2003, brothers & sisters Roy, Kay, Carl, Ruth, Bud, & Norman. He is survived by two sisters Hazel Bauer & Frances Malmgren and many nieces, nephews & friends.

Albert was born in Winnipeg on September 7th, 1915, the 3rd 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 Toot’s 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 ‘30’s riding the rails in search of work for food & 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 - Toot’s. Their courtship continued until Albert joined the service in 1941 & went overseas. At the conclusion of WWII in 1945, Albert returned to Hamilton this time to marry Toot’s. Soon after their marriage they returned to Winnipeg & settled down in the Elmwood area. Albert received his journeyman carpentry certificate & was employed by the Winnipeg School Division where he worked for over 30 years retiring in 1980.

Albert & Toot’s were very avid sports enthusiasts & together got involved in various local bowling & curling leagues. They took up what would become their very favorite 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 coarse was his hand made Purple Martin bird houses & feeders. In recognition of all his hard work & 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 & gardening, Albert was a skilled wood carver. Many of his creations were of birds & other animals that were displayed throughout his home. Albert & Toot’s interests also included traveling. 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 & generous person. He was always willing to help his neighbors, friends & family anyway he could. He touched many lives along his great 95 year journey & will be sadly missed.

Funeral service was held on Saturday, January 8, 2011, 1:00 p.m. at Klassen Funeral Home with interment following in Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens.

The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to all the staff at Shaftsbury Park retirement residence & in recent months all the staff in tower 4 at Deer Lodge Center.