HANSON, Rev. Gordon Albin
December 26, 1933 – January 6, 2012
On the eve of Epiphany, Friday, January 6, 2012 Gordon Albin Hanson was lovingly embraced into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
His love for God, his family, and the mission of the Church were central to his purpose in life. Gordon was passionate about serving others and supporting those in need through counselling and as a champion for social justice. His ministry was steeped in grace and he took great joy in building relationships with people. As a husband, father and grandfather, his love and affirmation was unwavering. Gordon relished being with family, dinner discussions, camping, hiking, leading youth and family camps, playing piano, playing golf, watching hockey and spending time with grandchildren.
Gordon will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Phyllis Joan Hanson (nee Hagelberger); his children, Reverend Peter (Mary) Hanson, Timothy (Cathy) Hanson, Kurt (Elaine Stringer) Hanson, Michele Nolan, Melita (Doug) Hanson-Torwalt and Beth Anne (Ira) Hanson-Ralph; his grandchildren, Christa, Deborah and Elissa; Daniel, Thomas and Sarah; Kristopher and Michael; Jonathan; Brittany; Joshua, Jessica and Mark; and Hailey. Gordon is also survived by his sisters, Audrey Barrette and Eileen (Dale) Berglund and numerous nieces and nephews all of St. Paul, Minnesota. He was predeceased by his parents Anne (nee Delander) and Oscar Hanson of St. Paul, Minnesota; his son Mark Hanson; his brother and sister-in-law Warren and Marilyn Hanson and his brother-in-law Wes Barrette.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Memorial Worship Service will be held at Hope Lutheran Church (3527 Boulton Road N.W.) on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Memorial tributes may be made directly to either Canadian Lutheran World Relief, 302-393 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6, Telephone: 1-800-661-2597 www.clwr.org, or Camp Kuriakos, Sylvan Lake Alberta, Site 8 Box 18 RR1, Sylvan Lake, AB T4S 1X6, Telephone: (403)746-2702 www.kuriakos.ab.ca.
In living memory of Rev. Gordon Hanson, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.
Print Obituary & Condolences
I am sorry for your loss.
Dearest Phyllis and family,
We were deeply saddened to hear about Gordon’s death. He was instrumental for both of us in coming to a completely new understanding and many, many felt experiences of grace.
We were so privileged to spend a year with all of you in 1970 during Paul’s internship, and we grew to love the whole family. We still can hardly believe you all survived during a week when we stayed with you “kids” while Gordon and Phyllis were away!
We join with so many others in sending Gordon and all of you, his family, our loving energy and heartfelt wishes for strength and peace when you need it most.
Love,Deanie and Paul
Mrs. Hanson, Pete, Tim, Kurt and family:
I was saddened to read the notice about your wonderful husband, father and grandfather in today’s paper. I well remember first meeting Gordon when he was kind enough to give me a ride to Camrose one time during my first year at the College, and he introduced me to the charm of making the trip along Highway 21 instead of Highway 2. Every time I met him again over the years, he struck me as a man of gentle wisdom and I know he will be missed. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time, but, like you, I will celebrate having known him.
Tom Gould
To my Friends Peter and Mary, brother Tim and the brothers and sisters I have only met once, many years ago.
It has been many years since I had met your parents. Pleasant folks and kind.
You father left a lasting impression with me, as he was, nice, even to me. At this time I wish to pass along my condolences to you, your mother, your brothers, sisters, upon the passing of a fine man.
Pastor Hanson’s warm smile stays with me.
Russ
We are saddened to hear the news of Gordon’s passing.We send our condolences to you Phyllis and your family, Gordon will be greatly missed.We have wonderfull memories of our time together.
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Gordon. While I only met him a couple of times, I have come to learn of his faith and strength of character through many discussions with Kurt. I am sorry to hear of his passing but rejoice that is with the Lord!
John te Linde
My prayers and condolences to the Hanson family. My warm and fond memories be in your thoughts and with you always as you celebrate his life.
Dear Phyllis and family,
As Gordon is “lovingly embraced” may you also feel the embrace of Jesus. Peace be with you!
Markus
Pastor Gordon was a one of a kind! He had such a passion and a sincere love for people from all walks of life. My condolences, thoughts and prayers go to his entire family. He will be forever missed. His compassion and understanding was such an inspiration and truly a gift to humanity. He was such a unique light to the world. Eternal Memories
John Person
Phyllis & family,
A Heartfelt Message of Sympathy, May you find consolation in the thought that others are thinking of you and God is with you always,
Sharon & Chris
Yuma, Arizona
Mrs. Hanson, Pete and Family,
We were very sorry to hear the news of Pastor Gordon’s passing. I remember very clearly chatting with Mr. Hanson after Viking’s hockey games in Calgary. I remember him as a gentleman with a wonderful sense of humour, very down to earth, very caring about his family and as man with a passionate faith. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Pete, Phyllis and family.
Bob, Judi and daughter Ember, Large
Edmonton
Dear Phyllis and family: Our deep sympathy goes to you. Gordon was a friend, spiritual mentor and a positive model of ministry, especially during my early years of ministry in the Tilley-Rolling Hills Parish (1972-77). His encouragement, sense of humor and story telling were such gifts especially to us, and to the larger church. I think I took every Caring Community in Christ course that he offered and those were such rich times of learning and fellowship. We have truly lost a great man, and a servant of Christ. May the peace of Christ strengthen you at this time. Darryl and Rita Roste, Leduc, AB
You are in my thoughts. My deepest sympathy.
Dear Phyllis and Family,
I have very fond memories of Gordon that go back to the 1960 when we began our pastorates, I at Cross, Morris and he at Redeemer in Wpg. Our journey together was even more memorable from working together in the ELCC. On the one hand I am saddened by his death; and on the other hand I rejoice and give thanks with you that he has now been relieved from this earthly burden and now able to experience the ultimate healing in the embrace of His Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.
May all of you be sustained in your faith in Christ and comforted by the Holy Sirit and the hope of the resurrection and final reunion that still awaits us. With firm embrace, I am your brother in Christ,
Orville & Family
Our sincere condolences to the Hansen
family from the Spackmans, we have fond
memories of Gordon and shared many
events and services over the years,
plus confirmations. Sincerely Sonja Spackman.
Dear Phyllis and family,
Pastor Hanson confirmed myself and my 3 brothers back in the 1970′s in Calgary at Ascention Lutheran Church. When I married and later moved to Surrey, it was his son, Rev. Peter Hanson, that we sought out to baptize our 2 boys, continuing what Pastor Hanson started many years earlier. My sincere condolences to your family for your loss of this wonderful man who left a huge mark on so many lives. God bless and keep you all.
Tammy Abrahamson, Kai & Chad
Memories from Marian Jerry for Phyllis and Gordon’s Family
One outstanding theme of Gordon’s ministry was that of building communities. When Gordon was Director of the Pastoral Institute he arranged Thursday morning chapel services followed by breakfast. Each staff member took turns leading the service and providing breakfast. However, we all looked forward especially to the mornings Phyllis was in charge for her breakfasts were a true feast. Later when Gordon was pastor at Advent Lutheran Church he invited me to be part of the team presenting “The Caring Community.” Through Gordon’s energy, enthusiasm and great skill in linking people many lifetime friendships were created. It is with deep gratitude that Martin and I remember our dear friend Gordon.
Marian & Martin Jerry
Canmore
Dear Phyllis and Family,
Pastor Hanson was a great inspiration to both me and my brother, Ron, growing up in our teenage years. He provided us both with great words of wisdom and direction, which still guides us today. Not only do we have fond memories of him, we also share many fond memories of his entire family growing up in the Crossroads community.
We are truly blessed to have known such a wonderful and caring person.
John, Ron, and the entire Field Family
Dear Hanson family; Please accept my sympathy for the loss of Gordon. I have really fond memories of him and your family during your visits with Audrey, Wes, Neal, Cheryl and Paula in St. Paul. My family, the Monsons, lived next door. I hope that your fond memories bring you comfort now and in the days ahead.
Peter and family. A person can have no better epetaph than that which is inscribed in the heart of his family. We do not remember moments . The momement may be temporary,but the memory is forever. You are in our thoughts,and in our prayers…..Joe …..Phyllis.
Dear Phyllis and my dear friends, Peter and Mary.
We were saddened to hear of Gordon’s passing from this life. Like others, I had the joy of being involved in Gordon’s teaching, both with Marriage enrichment and TJTA. Both of those were very useful in my ministry. Apart from that, I have had a deep sense of respect for the impact of Gordon on the larger church and community. He was an original! with his style and sense of humour, but also holding up ministry with such a sense of professionalism. While we haven’t seen him for some time, just knowing he was part of the church was reassuring. Blessings as you celebrate his life now lived.
With much love, Ron and Edna Bjorgan
To Phyllis and Hanson Family
It is with great saddness that we learn of Gordon’s passing. We know that he is safe with Jesus, but we will all miss such a warm and caring man. All the years that he was our Pastor at
Ascenion Lutheran Church, we felt nourished and blessed. He truly cared about people, his ministry, family and community. His gifts of teaching, councelling and encouragement will always be remembered. Our condolences to all the family who are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Blessings from The Risdahl Family
Art and Elsie, Allan and Lorna
Colleen and David, Max and Jack.
To all of the Hanson’s and families, We cannot be with you in person but we are with you in thought and prayer while you grieve the passing of Gordon. What an amazing life he has lived and what an amazing example he has left for all of us to follow. So many wonderful memories and so many people he has touched. We are so proud to be able to call him Uncle. Sending you all our hugs and love. Dawn and Neal
It is with great sadness that we heard of the passing of Gordon. Our lives have been touched on many occassions through out the years by the love of your family. One of the most important things one can do in life is make a positive impact on the lives of others. You can be very proud of the difference Gordon made both through his ministry and his children in the lives of many.
God Bless,
Lorne and Cherisse Monaghan
I am very sorry to hear of your loss, my prayers are with the family. God Bless.
Kurt – Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the death of your father. May your love for him and God give you strength.
Dear Phyllis and Family,
I will always remember our wonderful times as a family at Advent Lutheran Church. Gordon was Pastor and I was involved in the music ministry there.
Gordon was always kind and compassionate and a beautiful example of what a life dedicated to Christ can be.
with love,
Brian, Susan, Ryan and Lauren Farrell
May the compassionate consolation of God’s presence be with all of you as you grieve Gordon’s passing. The more we are affected by the loss of someone we dearly love, the more we are enabled to recognize that what was begun in their life among us needs to be continued in our own. Gordon will be missed, even by those who never met him. The impact he made on congregational life have left an indelible mark on the Evangelical Lutheran Church In Canada.
Pastor Hanson was a true friend to all. I had the opportunity to work on Church Council and committees with him at Advent Lutheran Church. I will always treasure the opportunities he trusted me with. I offer my sincere condolences to the family of a very special Servant of Christ. Sincerely, Joyce Measor, Comox, B.C.
Peter, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dear Beth, Tim and the entire Hanson family,
My deepest nondolences on the loss of a very important person in your lives.
Mrs. Hanson, Peter and family
I was very sorry to hear of Pastor Gordon’s passing. I have fond memories of being welocmed into the Hanson household for meals and socializing when I was a University student in Calgary. Liz and I extend our sympathies to the Hanson family.
Joe
Peace be with you in these days. Pastor Gordon married Marnie and I, and my mother (Marian Jerry) worked with Gordon for many years at the Pastoral Institute and later at Advent. It was a privilege to be able to attend today’s funeral and share in those special memories of Gordon.
Every blessing,
Marc Jerry,
Senior Seminarian, Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon.
May God keep you and bless you during this time of mourning.
From a fellow member of the Lutheran Hospital Ministries.
Our family would like to extend our sympathy to the Hanson family. We so enjoyed the times we could visit with Pastor Hanson espcially when he picked up Beth at Purdys. Always a smile and a chuckle. Also his encouraging words were very helpful many occasions. We will be thinking of you. Mel and Arla
Pastor Hanson had such a wonderful energy and it always just felt good to be around him. My condolences to the entire Hanson family.
God Bless
Tammy
I got to know Gordon as a marvelous teacher having the ability to communicate the Gospel in clear and imaginative way. A real blessings to hear him.
God’s love and comfort attend you.–Ed and Ella Rode
Hi Kurt and Elaine,
I was saddened to hear of your Dad’s passing, Kurt, and it happened to correspond with my arranging for congregants of Living Spirit to tour Glenway Gate on Richmond Road, the site of the Lutheran Church where your Dad once preached. Hope your Mom’s doing ok.
Pam
We hope you find peace in knowing that Gordon will be remembered as someone who truly made a difference in the Lutheran church, his community and the lives of a great many people. God bless as you grieve his passing.
Peter, Tim, and all the Hanson family;
Marg and I are thinking of you. Your father and mother were welcoming hosts to me on a rare weekend without hockey all those years ago, and raised quality children. We’re sure you will miss him.
Dear Kurt and Elaine:
Although a month has passed, you remain in our hearts and prayers.
Love Chris and Mel
To the Hanson Family. I am very sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers.
John Fileccia