Obituary of John Neils Hansen

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of John Neils Hansen, of Avonlea, SK, on Saturday, September 28, 2013. He would have been 70 on December 23rd. He was predeceased by his father, Andrew, when he was only 10 months old. He was raised in Rouleau by his loving mother, Maude, who left us in 1977. John was also predeceased by his uncle John Harris, who was a father figure to him, and by his father-in-law, Ernie Blaus. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 37 years, Joan; and his two sons and their families: Jeffrey, Denelle, and Alexander (Xander), and Jeremy, Yolanda, and Evan, all of Regina. He will also be mourned by his sister, Andrea (and Ray) Nelson of Assiniboia; and several nieces and nephews on both sides of the family; Joan's mother, Eva Blaus, of Broadview; and Joan's siblings, Wilf and Geraldine Blaus, Leo Blaus and Doreen Petrie, all of Broadview, and Denise and Kelvin Hintz of Prairie River. John was a long-time teacher, mostly in Avonlea, faithful community member, former Lion and one time athlete. He particularly enjoyed the people he met through sports, both as a participant and a coach. John was those things and more, but what defined him was his love and pride for his family. He had a short struggle with cancer. Some would say it was a hard battle, but he made it look bearable and was in unfailing good spirits and retained his sense of humour to the end. The care received in the Pasqua Hospital 3A and at Regina Wascana Grace Hospice was exceptional. The Celebration of his Life will be held at St. Joseph's Church, Claybank, SK on Thursday, October 3, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. J-R Ryan presiding. Private interment of ashes in Hillcrest Cemetery, Avonlea. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John, may be made to the Avonlea and District Lions Club, Box 329, Avonlea, SK, S0H 0C0. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com