Updated to include my full euology from the service on October 31, 2011:
November 13, 1937 - October 28, 2011
On behalf of the family I’d like to thank you all for coming today and sharing in our celebration of the life of Richard Hansen. I’m his granddaughter, Heather, and I’d like to share some of my thoughts and memories of his life.
Grandpa was born and raised right here in southeastern Minnesota and chose to make this his home for a large majority of his life. He was a country boy and nature lover through and through. He took great pleasure in wildlife- everything from the deer in his own backyard, to listening to the Oxbow Park wolves howl at night, to filling and re-filling his many bird feeders. And let’s not forget his beloved dogs, with the most recent being Shadow, who paid a touching tribute to Dick shortly after his death.
While he clearly felt most comfortable in the country, he and Sue also enjoyed traveling to places such as Las Vegas, Branson, Memphis and the Washington DC area. Still, I distinctly remember a trip to downtown Minneapolis with Grandpa, Sue and my brother and a traumatic ride in the bus only lane with Grandpa repeating “We’re tourists- what do they expect?” over and over. I think we were all glad to get back to the country after that trip!
We can all probably agree that Grandpa wasn’t the most technologically savvy person- I clearly remember him referring to the internet as “dot com on my VCR”- but he still kept up to date on all current events and Minnesota sports teams, especially the Twins and Vikings. His trusty radio was always tuned to WCCO Radio and he talked about Sid Hartman as if he were a good friend or adversary, depending on the topic. If the radio wasn’t on you could often find Grandpa engrossed in a good book. He especially enjoyed history, politics and sports stories. I believe that his love of literature has made a large impact on my life- he read, my mother reads, my brother and I read, and I have passed a love of books on to my daughter. This influence is a gift that will likely continue for generations to come.
If you knew Grandpa you very well may have also known his political affiliation as a strong Democrat. Now this is a trait that may or may not live on as it seems to have skipped this grandchild. But growing up I can recall many heated, but fun, political conversations at home and my mom would always want to call Grandpa in for back up. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see where this inheritance goes……
Above all Grandpa cherished his time with family and friends. As the youngest of 7 you can be assured that there was a large extended family which resulted in many family functions, including several fun family reunions. Grandpa was always happy to pick his mom up bring her along. My mom fondly remembers time spent with her cousins and aunts and uncles over the holidays. And let’s not forget about Grandma Margie’s well stocked pantry and goodie cupboards. In recent years, especially after decreased mobility, Grandpa appreciated home visits, phone calls and letters.
His eyes would light up around children, whether it was his daughter, a niece or nephew, or later down the line his grandchildren and great-grandchild. And he was always a good sport- tossing a football in the backyard with my brother Ted, cheering for a soccer or basketball game, taking the time to read a children’s story or showing a vested interest in the tooth fairy when my daughter lost her first tooth. I also hear that he happily took on the role of a farmer while playing “Princess and the Farmer” with his granddaughters Katelyn and Hana. He valued his many years with his daughter and grandchildren and just five short years with his only great-grandchild and for that I am thankful. I too cherish the years I had with him.
He leaves behind many who love him and he will be greatly missed. Thank you again for being here with us today.
Goodbye Grandpa......until I see you again.
