WALTER HANSEN

Walter Hansen, 81, of North Branch, Ont., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2008 at the Emo Health Centre in Emo, Ont.
Walter was born March 7, 1927 in the family home in Sutherland Township to the late Krist and Mary Jane (Minnie) Hansen. They later moved to the Hansen family farm, where Walter continued to reside until his passing.
Walter was united in marriage Aug. 26, 1948 to Thelma Neilson.
Along with farming and logging, Walter and his brother-in-law, Moie Neilson, transported milk from Rainy River District to Kenora for more than 25 years. In his younger years, he worked at the Steep Rock iron mine in Atikokan, Ont.
He served on the Sifton Township local roads board for numerous years. Walter and Thelma also belonged to the Country Squares dancing club.
He will be sadly missed by his wife, Thelma, of North Branch, Ont.; son, Darrell (Marilyn) of Bergland, Ont.; daughter, Coleen (Doug) Cross of Emo, Ont.; and son, Jeff (Andrea) of North Branch, Ont.; and grandchildren, Hillary, Jordan, and Courtney Hansen, Jeffrey and Ashley Cross, and Isabelle Hansen.
Walter was looking forward to the birth of another grandchild in the coming week.
Walter also is survived by in-laws, Moie (Marjorie) Neilson, Garnet (Vivian) Neilson, Lou Neilson, Keith (Grace) Neilson, Katherine Neilson, Dixie Kivi, and Daisy Page; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents; brothers, George (Bertha) Page, Bert Page, Howard Page, and Richard Hansen; and in-laws, Maurice (Stella) Neilson, Paul (Bernice) Sisco, Arthur Neilson, Carman Neilson, and Robert Kivi.
Family and friends were received Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Stratton United Church, with Rev. Frances Flook officiating.
Interment took place in the Pineridge Cemetery in North Branch.
The pallbearers were Jeffrey Cross, Rick Neilson, Colin Neilson, Marty Neilson, Lyndon Kivi, and Ken Sisco.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to Emo Health Centre c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.0. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.