ARNOLD STANLEY HANSEN

Posted: June 3rd, 2021

March 20, 1932 ~ May 28, 2021

 

The family of Arnold Hansen is sad to announce the passing of their father, grandfather and brother at his home in Medicine Hat at the age of 89 years. Arnold will be forever remembered by his oldest son, Brien (Bryan Poirier); his only daughter, Leslie (Kelly) Risling; granddaughter, Kelsie (Corey Goddu) and his only sister, Lora McDonald. Arnold was predeceased by his wife, Patricia in 2003; youngest son, Alan in 2012; mother, Emilie in 1982; father, Oscar in 1983, and his brother-in-law, John McDonald in 2021. Arnold was born and raised in Hanna, Alberta, where he completed his early education, began working on the CNR in his early teens and eventually rose to the position of train conductor. He also met the love of his life, Pat Laing, in Hanna and they were married in 1954. As a young husband and father, Arnold bravely relocated his family to Calgary in 1960 to pursue an education in organic chemistry at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. In 1962, he again packed up his family and moved to Medicine Hat and began a career in the chemistry section at the Defense Research Establishment Suffield. He retired from D.R.E.S. in 1996. Arnold coached for the Tiny Mite Hockey Organization in the early 60’s and also supported his children in their swimming endeavors with the A.M.A.C. Swim Club. Family summer vacations were enjoyed camping in the Okanagan area of B.C. Arnold was a lifelong, serious model train enthusiast and he boasted an impressive collection which was proudly displayed in his basement along with a train cap and lantern from his days as a conductor. Arnold and Pat’s retirement years were far too short; however, they did enjoy golfing, curling and traveling to sunny destinations until Pat’s untimely passing at 74 years of age. Shortly thereafter, Arnold grew a ponytail, bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle and “took to the open road.” Although he was unable to enjoy the bike the past few years, he found simple delight in going out to the garage and opening the big door to “enlighten’ his neighbours to the deep, resonating sound of the Harley in neutral. He would sit, reminisce and listen to the roaring echo of the wonderful vibrations he loved so much. Rest easy Dad. We will miss you! Arnold’s life and his memory will be cherished without the proceedings of a formal funeral service. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

 

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”

One Condolence for “ARNOLD STANLEY HANSEN”

  1. Larry Osaka says:

    My deepest sympathies to the family. I worked with Arnold in the DRES Organic Chemistry Lab from 1970 to 1974 where he instantly made a 20 year old farm kid feel at home and an integral part of the team. His unique personality will not be forgotten and will be missed by more than only his family because of the positive impression he made on those lucky enough to have been in his life.

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