Leslie Douglas Hansen

It is with great sadness that the family of Leslie Douglas Hansen announce his passing on January 26, 2022 at the TBRHSC after a short battle with cancer.

Leslie was born on June 25, 1937 at the Kakabeka Outpost Hospital to Irja and Tellef Hansen. He was the youngest of four siblings and grew up in Nolalu. At a very young age he wanted to go to school with his brothers and sister so at 4 he started school at Easter time and passed into grade 2 by June. It was quite a distance for those little legs to go particularly in the winter, so his dad would take them with a team of horses and sleigh.. His favorite childhood pastime was fishing in Victor's creek up the road but because they had a farm, there were chores to be done and wood to be carried and no going to the circus either until the haying was done.

Leslie graduated from Selkirk High School before his 17th birthday and he secured his automotive mechanic apprenticeship at Kam Motors upon graduation. He worked for the Badanais for 47 years until his retirement in 2001. He was a lifelong member of the International Association of Machinist and Aerospace Workers Union and served on the executive board for a time.

In 1957 he met his future bride Margie and they were married in April 1959 and shortly after, along came four daughters. In 1972 he and Margie built their dream home in which they still resided. Many happy years were spent fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling and traveling in the motorhome. Leslie would often be seen riding around on his lawn tractor manicuring his impeccable yard. In his later years he enjoyed going to bingo, bus trips to the casinos and Sunday NASCAR races on tv.

Leslie was predeceased by his infant daughter Vicki-Ann, his parents, brothers Mark, Gilbert and sister Anna, In-laws: Joseph and Lila Dahead, Robert (Tina) Harju, Joe (Lila) Harju, John Harju, Arnold Harju, Darryl Harju, Ilmar Oksanen, Bill Ostrom, cousins Ken Siira Sr and Jim Graham.

Left to mourn him is his wife of 62 years Margie, his daughters Janice Hansen, Lori Hansen and Angela Rudnicki (Michael). His cherished grandchildren Deanna Cooke, Brydon (Alexandra) Bellefeuille, Chanel (Derek) Bellefeuille, Anna Rudnicki and Chris Rudnicki, great granddaughters Mileah and Janelle Cooke. Also survived by his sisters- in- law June, Helen, Mary, Eileen, Nancy, brother- in- law Karl (Aileen), close cousins Merle and Edith (Wayne) and numerous relatives.

Cremation has taken place and as per Leslie's wishes there will be no funeral. A celebration of life will be held at a later date as Leslie always enjoyed a good gathering.

Special thanks to Dr. Bezanson, Nurses Robert, Marlene, Lise and the staff on 2C for their care in making Dad's last days comfortable. Also thank you to Home Care especially Angie, MediGas, and Greg, Jim, Jeff and Cindy for their unwavering support.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 575 Central Avenue, Thunder Bay.