Edward Hanson

Edward Ernest Hanson, also known as “Mr. Minor Hockey” passed away at the Village in Ridgetown on Saturday April 4, 2009. Edward was born in Kingsville to his parents Ernest and Florence Hanson 85 years ago. One night after going to the Capitol Theatre in Chatham he met a young lady named Leta Burk and the two fell in love. Edward joined the Army, fighting at Juno Beach and helping to liberate the Concentration Camps in Holland. Leta also joined the Army, being stationed in Kingston. Edward returned to Canada in July, 1945 and he and Leta were married on August 14th that same year. Together they raised three daughters: Louise & Ray Mack, Carroll & Wayne McDermid and June Hanson all of Blenheim. They were also blessed with three grandsons: Kenneth McDermid of Blenheim, Timothy Mack & Josē DaSilva of London and James Mack of Toronto. Edward had a passion for hockey and baseball. He was instrumental in organizing the Minor Hockey leagues in Blenheim. His dedication garnered him the distinctions of “Mr. Minor Hockey” in 1963, “Sportsman Of The Week” in 1963 and he was the recipient of the “Service To Mankind Award” in 1971. Friends may also remember Edward from his days at the Shepherd Printing Company in Chatham and at the Ridgetown College of Agricultural Technology. Edward is survived by his sisters Lillian Smith of Leamington, Barb & Tony Denboar of Arizona and Ruth & Grant Doney of Virginia and by his brothers Norman & Rosie Hanson of Kingsville, Donald Hanson of Essex and Murray Hanson of Tilbury. He was predeceased by his sister Mary Robinson and by his brothers Doug and Bob Hanson. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Service will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday April 7, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Burk Cemetery at a later date. Friends wishing to honour Edward’s life with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Blenheim Minor Hockey Association.