HANSEN, Henry Peter, born November 1, 1925, passed away in Vulcan, Alberta on March 30, 2011, at the age of 85.
Henry was born at Ensign, Alberta, the youngest son of Agnes and Elmer Hansen. As a young boy he attended Derry School, a one-room prairie school located northwest of Vulcan. After finishing grade 12 in Vulcan in 1942, Henry returned to the family farm to begin his farming career, which he would continue for 66 years until his retirement in 2008. Over the years, he was quick to embrace farming innovations as they became available, including early equipment hydraulics, artificial insemination for his Charolais cattle herd, and continuous (low till) cropping. He shared his farm life with his wife of 59 years, Christine nee MacIndoe, formerly of Vauxhall, Alberta who had moved to Vulcan to work as a secretary prior to their marriage on March 12, 1952.
Henry was a willing and dedicated volunteer for many community programs. He was a life long member of the Vulcan United Church serving as an Elder, Trustee, Steward, Choir member and Sunday School Teacher. For 61 years he was a member of Masonic Lodge #74 of Vulcan, which led to positions as District Deputy Grand Master of District #11, Commander-in-Chief of the Southalta Consistory of the Scottish Rite in Calgary and Worthy Patron of the Order of the Easter Star Ferrodale Chapter. He served as Unifarm’s Chairman for the County of Vulcan for many years in the 1970’s. He sang in the Vulcan Community Choir and, with his wife Christine, enjoyed community square dancing and old-time dancing with the Pemmican Club of Lethbridge. Most recently, Henry’s time and energy were directed to the Vulcan and District Historical Society where he served as President from 1997 to 2010. Under his leadership, the society created a museum by moving a one-room prairie school to main street Vulcan and restoring and maintaining it. Further plans have now been drawn up for a phase 3 expansion of the museum.
In recognition of his community contributions, Henry won the Ron Pelham Volunteer Award in 2002 for outstanding contributions as a Volunteer in the Community, and the Bank of Montreal Farm Family Award presented at the 2008 Calgary Stampede, an award that recognizes families who embody the spirit of Alberta and exemplify the value of farming in the province.
Henry will be dearly missed for his wise counsel, tenacity and perspective. He is survived by his wife Christine, daughter Jean (Rob) Brown, son Craig (Laurie) Hansen; five grandchildren: Emily, Katherine, Jack, Tom and Mary; four nephews and nieces: David, Donald, Marilyn and Darlene; brother in-law George MacIndoe and sister in-law Jeanette Hansen. He is predeceased by his parents Elmer and Agnes Hansen and brother Harold Hansen.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, April 7, 2011 at the Vulcan United Church at 1:30 p.m. with Sue MacDonald D.M. officiating. FRAGRANCE FREE ZONE PLEASE. Interment will follow at the Vulcan Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Henry’s memory to the Vulcan Historical Society, Box 104, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0.
Arrangements are in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Deepest condolences to Christine, Jean, Craig and families.