Obituary of Earl Raymond Hanson

HANSON – Earl Raymond (1951-2017). It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Earl after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Earl passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 8 at Clover House Palliative Care in Swift Current with his family at his side. The funeral service was held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 12, 2017 at First United Church, with Pastor Linda Hall officiating. The organist was Arlie Neufeld. Tributes were given by family and friends. The honorary pallbearers were all those who shared in his life. The interment will be held at a later date in Unity Cemetery, Unity Saskatchewan. Earl is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Claire; son Jason (Lindsay) of Saskatoon, SK; son Eric (Elena) of Calgary, AB; son Ian (Curtis) of Edmonton, AB; brother Wayne (Deb) of Unity, SK; and sister Cynthia (Keith) of Moose Jaw, SK and many nieces and nephews. Earl is predeceased by his parents, Martin and Ruth of Unity, SK. Earl was born July 3, 1951 on a farm north of Unity, SK to Earl Martin Hanson & Ruth Marie (Vanebo) Hanson. Earl married Claire Anne Deschamps on August 11, 1973 in Outlook, SK. Together they raised three sons. Earl was very proud of his family and was involved in all their activities: hockey, soccer, summer swim club, musical performances, drama, to name a few. He always told them that they could do whatever they wanted to do as long as they believed in themselves. Earl was there ready to support them and help them in any way he could. Earl held many positions for 42 years with cooperative organizations: Riverbend Co-op and Outlook Credit Union, Unity Credit Union, Pioneer Credit Union, Southwest Credit Union, and Innovation Credit Union. Earl believed that two things were important – professional development and giving back. Earl earned two professional designations: Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Certified Senior Executive (CSE). Earl was very involved in the Cooperative Superannuation Society Pension Plan. He was involved as an employee delegate for 25 years and served on the Board of Directors for 11 years. For many years Earl was a Board member and then president of the Saskatchewan Pension Plan. Earl also took an active role in the Credit Union Managers Association. For his many contributions to co-operatives and his community, Earl was recognized with a Lifetime Co-operative Achievement Award in 2016. Earl was an active member of the Swift Current Lions Club. He served on the Finance Committee, as a club director, Vice President and became President of the club in July, 2016. Lion Earl was a life member of the LFC (Lions Foundation of Canada), the Lions Canadian Dog Guide program, and the recipient of the Lion/CNIB Fellowship award. Earl had an appreciation for nature. Time spent at the cabin with family and friends was a joy to him. He loved to golf, fish, and hunt. He was an avid fan and season ticket holder of the Swift Current Broncos. Earl enjoyed adding to his many and varied collections. He enjoyed works of art that had meaning for him and works of art created by local artisans. He also enjoyed going to auctions and searching for bargains. Earl made many friends throughout his life and career. His motto was “A friend is a friend for life.” For further information or to sign the family book of condolence, visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan Cappelle.