July 9, 2021
Robert "Bob" Stanley Hanson passed away on July 9, 2021 at the age of 81 surrounded by his devoted & loving family. His battle with cancer in recent years showed everyone his true courage in facing life's challenges with a smile. Always willing to lend a helping hand, Bob stayed supportive, positive and strong until the very end.
Born in 1940 at Saint John, New Brunswick, Bob's love of the ocean and fishing began. In 1968, he met his forever love Valerie and together they raised a small sports team of children. In the early years, Bob worked in the trucking and logging industry as a truck driver and mechanic. In 1980, Bob and Val ventured out on their own and opened Hanson's Husky Service Station and committed their life to serving the community they both loved. In 2006, they sold Husky and moved onto their next adventure - operating a vehicle recovery business known as BKV Towing. Always together, Bob and Val spent the next 16 years serving Burns Lake and surrounding areas. You could be sure that when you needed assistance, Bob would be there to give it. When Bob wasn't running the wreckers, he spent his time practicing his other passions: fishing, camping, boating, racing cars, snowmobiling and quadding. Bob was at his happiest when he was able to spend time with Val, his kids, grandkids and great grandkids - Bob was devoted to his family. In addition to being a caring and helpful man, Bob was also a teacher. Throughout his life, he taught all his children and various mentees the importance of working hard, having a good work ethic, making beer pancakes and that certain things, like molasses and Southern Comfort, would be sure to put "hair on your chest."
Bob is predeceased by his father (Gordon), mother (Jean), brother Gary, sisters Carol, Gloria and his daughter-in-law, Shelley. He is survived by his wife Val, his children Kenny (Leah), Robert (Marlene), Nancy (Shelley), Donna (Craig), Sherry (Denny), Brian, Trent, Gary (Amy), brother Dougie and sister-in-law Tammy. He is also survived by his 8 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. The family would like to thank the community of Burns Lake and the staff and doctors at the University Hospital of Northern BC, the BC Cancer Centre for the North and the Lakes District Hospital for their kindness and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the BC Children's Hospital or the BC Cancer Society in Bob's memory. A celebration of life will be held at Babine Lake Resort on August 14th, 2021 from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm (please bring your own chair and stories).
"Gone Fishing - I've finished life's chores assigned to me, so put me on a boat headed out to sea. Please send along my fishing pole for I've been invited to the fishin' hole where every day is a day to fish, to fill your heart with every wish. Don't worry, or feel sad for me, I'm fishin' with the Master of the sea. We will miss each other for a while, but you will come and bring your smile. That won't be long you will see, till we're together you and me. To all those who think of me, be happy as I go out to sea. If others wonder why I'm missin' just tell 'em I've gone fishin'."