DONOVAN LEONARD HANSON obituary

BOZEMAN - Donovan Leonard Hanson, 75, died at his home on Monday, Oct. 10, 2005, following a battle with cancer, with his wife at his side.

A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday at 2 p.m. at Gildford Baptist Church in Gildford. Cremation has taken place and his ashes will be spread by grandson, Michael, on the farm north of Gildford in the spring when the wheat is beginning to grow.

Donovan was born March 9, 1930, in Havre to Leonard and Vivian Hanson. Donovan was raised on the family farm north of Gildford. He graduated from high school in 1948. His father died at the age of 38 in late November 1937.

Donovan was raised in the Baptist faith by a devoted mother and stepfather.

While attending the University of Washington, he joined ROTC and subsequently joined the Navy and spent time in Korea, Japan and Hawaii. After the Navy, Donovan returned to the family farm and farmed until 1965, when he joined Flynn Realty.

Donovan was in real estate for 40 plus years. He met many a farmer and rancher who became his lifelong friends.

He married Vandra Bader on July 1, 1966, in the Baptist church in Cour d'Alene, Idaho. During their 39 years together, they remodeled several homes and motels, always with a strong team effort.

He was a loving husband and father, deeply devoted to his family and friends.

He looked forward to fall, the Reno air race and football season. He was a great Raiders fan and followed grandson Michael Hanson's football days from fourth grade to college. They had a special relationship as the two were both pilots and enjoyed the thrill of flying.

Donovan was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Vivian; niece, Joy Gregg; and stepfather Elmer Jorgenson.

Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Vandra of Bozeman; daughter, Arlys (Tim) Spear of Malta; three sons, Larry (Kay) Hanson of Billings, and Darryl and Rick Hanson of California; sister, C.J. Gregg of California; niece, Connie, and nephew, Keary, of California; six grandchildren; five great-grand children; and his special little friend, Lillie, and numerous cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Gildford Baptist Church.