Hanson, Merle Olaf
(August 5th, 2022)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Merle Olaf Hanson on August 5, 2022, at Kootenay Lake Hospital, with his family by his side. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
He will be greatly missed by his wife of 70 years, Corinne. His children Lorne (Sandi) Hanson, and Karen (Charles) Andrews. His grandchildren Michelle (Dale) Robertson, Juanita Hanson, Dwayne (Pamela) Hanson, Riley Ritchie, Jennifer Hanson, Brittany Andrews, and Brendon Andrews. His great grandchildren, Paige, Cynthia, Braydon, Bridget, and Brooklyn.
He was born in Benalto, Alberta, to Olaf and Minnie Hanson. He had 3 siblings, Viola (Horace), Alfred (Ilene), and Helen (Marvin).
Being raised on a farm in Alberta he learned at a young age the importance of early mornings and hard work. Later the family moved to a small farm at Bridesville, BC, where they attended school. There he me his wife, Corinne, who was also from a farming family.
He was self employed from 1950 to his retirement. He started a small sawmill in Bridesville a year before he got married. In 1958 he moved the sawmill to Salmo, BC. After selling the sawmill he started a logging business which in time changed to a trucking business for the last 32 years before retirement. During this time Merle and Corinne also built and operated a motel in Salmo.
He loved living and working in Salmo. Caring for the residents and the town of Salmo is one of the reasons he served 40 years on village council, both as councillor and mayor.
As a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he will be greatly missed
Rest in God’s Arms
