Obituary of Neil Hansen

Neil Douglas Hansen passed away peacefully at home with his loving wife and precious pups at his side on December 8, 2011. Neil was born on April 27, 1944 in Camrose, Alberta to Albert and Grace Hansen. He was raised on a farm near Hay Lakes where he completed his schooling. Neil had six brothers—Dean, Clark, Randy, Daryl, Dennis and Perry. Neil started working for his father in 1963 in Hay Lakes at what was then called Hansen Construction. In 1967, it was incorporated as A. Hansen and Sons Construction Ltd. and moved to Camrose. After his father's retirement in 1977, Neil and his brothers bought the business. Originally the business was focused on residential construction and later developed primarily into commercial projects. In 1965, Neil married Karen Grue and they had two daughters, Lori Rae in 1967 and Catherine Ann in 1969. As a family, they enjoyed memorable times together camping, flying, house boating and weekend trips with the Hansen Clan at Red Deer Lake where the kids learned how to water ski. Neil loved adventures. In 1972, he attained his private pilot's license, followed by his night endorsement in 1973. In July 1981, he received his IFR (Instrument) Rating with a Class 1 rating, a remarkable achievement reached by few his age. In recent months, when Neil became sick and could no longer fly, he was content because he had enjoyed 39 years of flying throughout the United States and Canada. Neil also loved his motor bikes and for many years enjoyed road trips with his family and friends—most recently on his Harley Davidson Road King and Honda Gold Wing. In 1992, Neil married Denise Fehr and they have resided at Dried Meat Lake ever since. Both Neil and Denny loved living on the lake and all the benefits that go along with such a tranquil life. Neil loved boating and taught many a friend how to water ski and tube. All were welcome at their home and a good time was always sure to be had. Neil and Denny also enjoyed traveling throughout the states in their motor coach and in the last few years called Rancho RV Resort in Aguanga, California home during the winter. Even in recent months after Neil was diagnosed with Amyloidosis, he continued to go to work; spend time with his grandchildren; renovate the basement at his home; and visit with as many friends and family as he could. Neil passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 8, 2011 at the age of 67 years. He bravely battled the rare disease known as Amyloidosis. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Denny Hansen, and their two precious pups, Paddington and Yogi; mother of his children, Karen Hansen of Camrose; daughters Lori Hansen (Brad Klenke) of Calgary, Cathy Mowat (Wade) of New Norway; stepsons Jason Norton (Kelsey) of Onoway, Tyler Norton (Chelsie) of Edmonton and Sage Norton of Edmonton; three grandchildren Wyatt Mowat, Amy Mowat and Dayson Norton; mother-in-law Sylvia Fehr of Sidney, BC; brother Clark Hansen (Wendy) of Edmonton; brother Perry Hansen (Donna) of Camrose; sister-in-law Lyn Flemming (Al) of Sherwood Park and sister-in-law Janice Grundberg (Terry) of Whitecourt as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Neil was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Grace; twin brothers, Daryl and Dennis; brothers Dean and Randy; and his nephew, Russ. A celebration of Neil's life was held on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Messiah Lutheran Church with Rev. Jason Siemens officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Amyloidosis Support Network Inc. (www.thecasn.org) or a charity of choice.