Hansen, Hans "Leonard"
Posted Aug 26, 2021 | 8:40 AM
It is with much sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Hans “Leonard” Hansen, resident of Belloy, AB, on Thursday, August 19, 2021, at the age of 90 years.
Leonard was born to Karl and Irene Hansen on May 29, 1931, in Tangent, AB. An independent and kind personality from the beginning, Leonard was an excellent student and as the eldest child, an integral part of life on the farm.
Leonard’s first year of schooling took place in Silverwood, AB, where during the winter months his beloved dog “Mike” took him to school by sleigh. The rest of his schooling took place in Wanham, AB, then the Steel School at Fortier’s Creek, AB, and the remaining years at Belloy, near the family farm.
Leonard left school to assist with the family farm and to eventually buy his own land to establish his own farm nearby. He was a humble family man, well-loved and respected by all of his siblings, and always there to lend a helping hand. After his Dad’s passing, he was committed to ensuring his Mom was well looked after on the family farm for the rest of her years, where he lived until his passing. The Hansen’s were an extremely close family with many family gatherings over the years, which Leonard always attended with a camera in hand, capturing many treasured photos when he wasn’t assembling a mean “no trump” hand in a rousing game of bridge. His devotion to his family was evident in all he did, particularly enjoying his sister’s weekly phone calls and annual visits from Australia where they would spend months together, enjoying each other’s company at the farm.
Leonard was an avid outdoorsman, spending his free time hunting, fishing, and always working on projects outside. Leonard had a love for travelling, including Australia and Denmark and the rest of Europe, and enjoyed flying his own aircraft locally back in the day. He particularly loved the annual snowmobiling trips to the mountains with his brothers and nephew Doug Hansen. He leaves behind him an outdoorsman’s legacy, with family who values nature and advocates for conservation as demonstrated by his own land being one of Duck’s Unlimited outdoor wildlife reserves.
Leonard is survived by brothers: Erick, Ken (Orma), and Marvin (Mary); sister Shirley Knight of Perth, Australia; as well as many nieces, nephews, and their children.
Leonard was predeceased by his father Karl and mother Irene; brother Don; as well as sisters in-law Patsy Hansen and Alice Hansen.
Upon his request, there will be no formal memorial service. Instead, hold Leonard in your memories as you would an old-growth tree; strong and long-lived, finally falling to leave behind the legacy of a forest.
Condolences may be sent by visiting
- Date : 2021-08-19
- Location : Belloy, Alberta