Obituary - Harold 'Hal' Hanson

Harold "Hal" Hanson, 64, passed away early Monday, March 18, 2024, from a short but courageous battle with Lymphoma.

At Hal's request, a Celebration of Life will be held Friday, March 22, 2024, starting at 3:00 in the back room of Harvest Moon Lanes, fondly remembered by Hal as the "300 Club."

Hal was born in Havre May 18, 1959, to his parents, Harold W.G. and Jewel (Chatwin) Hanson, joining his older brother, Bobby, and his two older sisters, Jewel and Penny. Hal grew up in Havre and graduated from Havre High School in 1977.

After high school, he moved around a bit, however he quickly moved back and was proud to call Havre his home for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, Hal did not have much time with his older brother, Bobby, as he passed away at a young age. However, his sisters both have very fond memories of their childhood with Hal. Jewel remembers Hal as a creator, and always having a project to work on, which was a lifelong trait that he carried on into adulthood. Penny has fond memories of "Lil' Harold" and his lifelong best friend, Donald Kenny, constantly digging holes in the backyard looking for gold.

In July of 1979, Hal married his wife, Marlys Darlington, of Big Sandy, followed by the birth of their daughter, Michelle, in 1980 and then their son, Garrett, in 1983.

Hal began work at Big Bud in 1978, and later with the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1979, where he continued to work for over 35 years until he retired in 2015. However, those that knew him, knew that Hal's true passion was in farming. Hal began farming in 1980 and poured his heart and soul into it, proudly working with his dad, and then later with his son, up until his death. In fact, after his recent surgery, the first thing he asked his doctor was if he would be able to drive a tractor in April because there was farming to do.

Hal had so much love for his wife, his kids, his five grandchildren and all of his extended family. He had a very special bond with many of his nieces and nephews, and their children, and he truly loved them like they were his own. He also had a very close relationship with his dad, who he fondly addressed as HaWG, until his passing in 2007.

Outside of farming, Hal loved spending time with Marlys, traveling the world with so many of their close friends, chasing their grandchildren around the state, watching them play every sport possible, and camping and boating with their friends and family. Hal also really looked forward to his yearly "guys only" fishing trip to Hinsdale, from which he always returned with some colorful stories.

Hal will forever be known for his big personality, his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone, and his willingness to offer advice to everyone, particularly his advice to jump rope to every young athlete he knew (or didn't know). One of his close friends summed him up as a guy who influenced the life of everyone he met - good, bad or indifferent.

Hal is survived by Marlys, his wife of nearly 45 years; his daughter, Michelle (Raymond) Keller, and son, Garrett (Jena) Hanson; five grandchildren, Olivia, Maddox and Conrad Keller and Bree and Colin Hanson; sisters Penelope Shuwager and Jewel Hanson; sister-in-law Cheryl Darlington (Rick Scheetz); brothers-in-law Russel (Darci) Darlington and Rick (Brenda) Darlington; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Jewel Hanson; brother, Robert "Bobby" Hanson; father-in-law, Bob Darlington; mother-in-law, Marlene Darlington, and his niece "Baby Jewel."

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to "Havre High School Girls' Fastpitch," PO Box 7791; or Havre Youth Baseball, P.O. Box 722 Havre, MT 59501. Please designate that it is for the Harold Hanson memorial.