Obituary of Eric HANSEN

21 FEBRUARY 1932 – 15 SEPTEMBER 2012 Eric was a member of one of the Cochrane area’s pioneer families. Born in Calgary shortly after the family emigrated from Denmark, Eric and his family moved to the Beaupre area when he was one year old. The family constructed a home on the property where Eric lived for the rest of his life. As a young man he worked as a carpenter in Calgary and became a skillful woodworker who later constructed numerous pieces of furniture and kitchen cabinets. At the same time Eric also assisted his parents with the family farm and helped to care for them in later years. After constructing a new house on the farm, Eric took pride in maintaining the original landscaping planted by his father. Eric eventually took up another career with Alberta Transportation where he worked until his retirement at age 65. Initially a confirmed bachelor, Eric married Mary in 1991 and they had 21 wonderful years together including many happy gatherings with Eric’s new extended family. Eric and Mary enjoyed travelling to distant places including Denmark and Australia and cruises through the Panama Canal and to Hawaii. With their 5th wheel RV, they roamed extensively, with memorable trips across Canada, to Alaska and Arizona and throughout western Canada. They particularly enjoyed trips around southern Alberta with their many friends in the RV club. Eric was an active member of the community all his life and was always ready to lend a hand to help others and he will be missed and remembered by many. Eric was predeceased by his sisters Edith and Katherine (Tina). He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife Mary, step-children Cathy Barvir (Al), Connie Showell (Simon), Marg Gallant (Dave), John and Dorothy, 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, nephews Tim Little (Sharon; great-nephews Geoffrey & Andrew) and Ken Little and many cousins. The family expresses special thanks to EMS, the fire department and the staff at Foothills Hospital for the wonderful care they provided. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Eric’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society.