It is with heavy hearts that the family of Raymond Hansen announces his passing on April 4th, 2022 at the age of 91 years. Raymond was born on June 25, 1930 and grew up on a small farm on the 2nd Concession of Ware Township, now called Hansen Road. With his bride Annikki by his side, the farm became the Hansen family home for the following sixty-four years.
With the approach of their 90th birthdays, Raymond and Annikki made the difficult decision to leave the farm for the safety and comforts of condo living. They enjoyed five good years on Martha Street. Raymond lived briefly at the Chartwell Residences in early 2022, passing away peacefully at St Joseph's Hospital.
Raymond was employed by Domtar and Great Lakes Forest products as a Woodlands Supervisor. Following 23 years of working out of town, away from his family, he sought employment at the Saskatchewan Pool Elevators, from where he retired.
Raymond was best known for his love of the outdoors, his respect and knowledge of nature. He observed and understood the habits and instincts of wildlife making him a skilled and successful hunting guide contracted by hunters from Southern Ontario and the United States. Raymond owned a trap line where he utilized his childhood skills of snaring small prey, to the trapping and labour-intensive preparation of pelts from beaver, martin, fox, lynx and wolf, for shipment and sale at the Winnipeg auctions. Rural property owners battling nuisance beaver would call upon Raymond for assistance. In Ware Township or by the calming waters of Scotch Lake, one could not distinguish whether Raymond was working or playing. When active in the outdoors, he was fulfilled. He spent his entire life in Northwestern Ontario where he believed there was no better place on earth to be.
Raymond was very social and had a keen interest in maintaining friendships and developing new ones. His neighbourhood stretched from the hills of Silver Falls Road in Kaministiquia to Fowler township to the populated area of Mapleward and Hansen Road. He was on call and ready to efficiently clear driveways of heavy snow falls with his skidder. His summer contract of cutting the roadside grass and shrubs for the township, allowed him the opportunity to travel the rural area he knew so well, with his tractor and side mower. He would reminisce and lament on the many changes he had witnessed, often stopping to meet or reacquaint himself with residents living in the more remote areas of the township.
Woodsman, trapper, farmer, hunter and fisherman- Ray lived for the land and loved every minute of it. But more importantly, Ray lived for the people that surrounded him. Their house was always bustling with visitors enjoying strong Finnish coffee, pulla and Annikki's baking.
Family defined Raymond's being. Everything he did in his life, he did for his family. He was always interested in and supportive of the life decisions of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was involved in the lives of his family as he took his last breath. Raymond is survived by his children: Jack Hansen (Cheryl), Evelyn (Bob) Armstrong, Mary (Doug) Chadwick. Grandchildren: Joshua Hansen (Natasa), Emily (Parker) Smith, Clinton (Erin) MacLean, Michael (Colleen) MacLean, Ashley (Michael) Towill, Karlie Chadwick (Alex) and Sarah Chadwick. He will also be missed by his 12 great grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Annikki in June 2021. She was the love and light of his life. "Together always"
The family would like to particularly recognize and to thank April Pilon (NP) and Dr. Dykstra for their professionalism and medical care provided to Raymond. To the caring staff at Chartwell on Arundel and St. Joseph's Hospice, we extend our sincere appreciation.
A private invitation only funeral will be held on April 7th, 2022, entrusted to Sargent and Son. Those wishing to attend the virtually may do so on the Sargent and Son Facebook page beginning at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Riverside Cemetery will follow. in lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations to the charity of your choice are gratefully accepted. Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com
