Hanson, Elmer Boyd Peter
Posted on February 19, 2014 by Maple CreekHANSON – Elmer Boyd Peter Hanson passed away suddenly at his home in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan, on February 10, 2014, at the age of 82.Bud was born March 21, 1931, at Shaunavon, Saskatchewan. He was the oldest son born to Peter and Elena Hanson. Bud was raised at the Hanson family homestead south of Dollard, Saskatchewan.
In 1939, when Bud was eight years old, his dad died, and being the oldest son, he quit school when he was 15 years old, and started farming. Out of necessity, Bud became a “Jack-of-all-trades.” He had a natural talent for mechanics, electrical, and carpentry. Most recently, Bud especially liked working with uncommon types of wood to produce beautiful wood bowls.
In 1958, Bud and his brothers, Glen and Floyd, bought the Stewart Ranch on Conglomerate Creek near Eastend. At that time Bud moved to the ranch, and then a few years later Bud had his mother come live with him so that he could look after her, something he did for many years. Bud remained at this ranch up until 2001, when he retired and sold his share of the ranch to his nephews.
From a very young age, Bud was an avid hunter and fisherman. Hunting and fishing were lifelong passions. Bud’s most recent deer hunting trip was just this past November with his brothers. In his earlier years Bud also trapped beaver, as this was long before the days of the motorized quad he often was required to walk for miles while packing a 50-pound beaver over his shoulder. He was a good shot, especially with his favorite 306 and 22-250. One of the thrills of Bud’s hunting life was when he went with his brother, Pete, to the mountains to hunt bear. Later, Bud also took up photography and added shooting photos to his list of outdoor pursuits.
Bud had a real soft spot for animals, especially dogs. While he was ranching his favorite “right-hand-man” was a Border Collie named “Cap.” Later Bud’s best friend and constant companion was a Border Collie named “Missy,” and in the past few years, Bud’s canine best friend has been a Shih-Tzu Bichon named “Pepper.”
There was nothing Bud enjoyed more than listening to his brothers sing and his sister play music. Bud was extremely proud of his siblings’ musical talents, and was their biggest fan. He always listened to one of their CDs whenever he was driving anywhere.
To his many nieces and nephews Uncle Bud was the fun one whom they loved dearly. When they were young, he always brought them cinnamon Dentyne gum, which earned him the name “Uncle Gum.” His nieces and nephews also fondly remember that Bud never came to visit without taking one or two of them back to the ranch with him so they could visit with their Grandma. On the drive he would always let one of them be the navigator for the trip. However, they couldn’t say the word “navigator,” and instead navigator came out as “alligator,” so from then on the child who was the navigator was instead called the alligator. Even today, whenever anyone of them hears the word alligator they instantly have fond memories of their time with Uncle Bud.
After spending nearly 66 years as a bachelor, Bud married Winnie Leslie on February 1, 1997, and over the next 17 years a whole new and wonderful chapter of life unfolded for Bud, which included the joy of also now being called “Grandpa Bud.” He and Winnie went on many trips, spent several winters in Arizona, and did lots of camping and fishing. Nothing put a bigger smile on Bud’s face then to hear Winnie say “Bud, let’s go fishing.”
Bud was predeceased by his parents Peter and Elena Hanson, infant sister Gloria, and sister-in law Pat Hanson. He is survived by his wife Winnifred Leslie-Hanson and her sons Rick (Lavonne) Leslie, Rob (Eileen) Leslie and Harvey (Jacki) Leslie, as well as five grandchildren; Kirsten, Fawn, Kaitlin (Ulises), Dylan and Quinn and one great-grand daughter Alma Rivera. He is also survived by his sister Bernice Stewart, and his four brothers Glen (Enid), Floyd, Pete (Ann), and Sid (Mary) along with their families.
A celebration of Bud’s life was held Friday, February 14, 2014 at the Maple Creek United Church with Reverend Eva Stanley officiating. Interment will take place at a later date at White Valley Lutheran Church Cemetery near Eastend. Binkley’s Funeral Service, Maple Creek and Leader, in charge of arrangements. 306-662-2292
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