Reverend Stephen Walter Hanson (Hanuszczak)

Reverend Stephen Walter Hanson (Hanuszczak) was born December 25, 1927 Rosefield, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully at Southbridge Roseview Manor, Thunder Bay, ON. on Saturday, March 13, 2021.

Dad grew up and lived/worked the farms in Saskatchewan (Rosefield, Fleming, Moosomin) with his father Maksym, mother Pauline, four brothers and four sisters. He completed Grade 11, attended Business College, and other training before venturing east to Ontario where he initially worked for the Hudson’s Bay Co, in Mobert, ON for about a year and then for several years with the Dept of Lands and Forests (Ministry of Natural Resources) in White River, Manitowadge, and Pickle Lake. During this time, he met the love of his life Catherine Michano from Pic River First Nation whom he married on April 19, 1954. In 1966 they moved to Thunder Bay, ON where he eventually became employed with Great Lakes Forest Products from where he retired. Together they raised 6 beautiful children – three girls and three boys.

Dad was a man of deep faith throughout his whole life with the Roman Catholic Church. He belonged to the Knights of Columbus for many years and was ordained a Deacon on March 22, 1987 -retiring in December 2014. He served the parishes of St. Andrew’s RC Church in Thunder Bay, St. Francis Xavier RC Church in Pic River First Nation, Holy Saviour RC Church in Marathon, ON, Kitchitwa Kateri Parish in Thunder Bay, ON and finally back to St. Andrew’s RC Church.

Dad was a beautiful man and we have many cherished memories of him from our visits out west to visit family, many family gatherings and trips together, our times out at Starnes Lake Camp, and his many conversations and stories. He loved all sports, hunting and fishing, being in the bush, music and dancing, playing crib and dice, praying, and being with family. He was a strong, independent and exceptional man and had his wits about him right to the end being able to pretty much do everything for himself which was so amazing. Unfortunately, although he survived contracting Covid-19 and the two vaccines the loneliness of being so isolated and confined to his living quarters were probably too much for him to bare and he decided it was his time to go be with his wife of over 60 years.

Dad was predeceased by his parents Maksym and Pauline, wife Catherine, daughter Pauline, son Wendell, grandsons Christopher and Lee, brothers Johnny, Tony, Michael and Joseph, sisters Mary, Jean and Marie. He is survived by son Tony (Anik and Zack), daughter Heather Hurcombe (Colin), son David (Memory), daughter Cheryl Bailey (Roy), grandson Darren Lillington (Liz and great grandchildren Abigail, Levi and Isobel), granddaughter Katie Hanson (Kiran), granddaughter Jessica Dugas (Kyle and great grandchildren Jack, Walker and Harper), granddaughter Natalie McDonald (Michael and great grandchildren Emilia and Kieran), granddaughter Hillary Doucette (Colin and great grandson Ben), granddaughter Sarah Hanson, grandsons Isaac and Stephen Hanson, grandson Devin Hurcombe (Alana and great grandson Mason), grandson Daniel Hurcombe, and grandson David Jr. Michano. He is also survived by brother Benedict Hanson (Leonie) from Shuswap Lake – Magna Bay, BC and sister Isabelle Brunel (Norman) from Victoria Beach, MB; as well as, numerous other relatives from throughout Canada.

The family would like to thank the staff of Celeste at Roseview Manor for their exceptional compassion and care for dad while there and especially in his final days.

A private family service was held Thursday, March 18, 2021 at Sargent and Sons Thunder Bay. Interment and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when Covid restrictions have been lifted. Should family or friends wish to make a donation in memory of Stephen Hanson – please do so to the Dew Drop Inn in Thunder Bay, the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of your choice.

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