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Donovan Hanson Obituary
Memorial services are scheduled for Oct. 18, at 2 p.m. at the 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 passed away at the age of 38 in late November 1937. He was raised in the Baptist faith by a devoted mother and stepfather.
While attending the University of Washington, he joined the ROTC and subsequently joined the Navy Air and spent time in Korea, Japan and Hawaii. After the Navy, Donovan returned to the family farm. Farming until 1965, he gave up farming and joined Flynn Realty.
He married Vandra Bader on July 1, 1966, in the Baptist Church in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. During their 39 years together, they remodeled several homes and motels, always with a strong team effort.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Vivian; and niece, Joy Gregg; and stepfather Elmer Jorgenson.
Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Vandra of Bozeman; daughter, Arlys (Tim) Spear of Malta; and 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 and five great-grandchildren and his special little friend, Lillie; and numerous cousins and friends.
He was a loving husband and father, deeply devoted to his family and friends.
Donovan was in real estate for 40-plus years. He met many a farmer and rancher who became his lifelong 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 senior in college. They had a special relationship, as the two enjoyed the thrill of flying, both being pilots.
In lieu of flowers, memorial may be sent to the Gildford Baptist Church, Gildford.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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