Paul William Hanson

Paul W. Hanson

Barrington: Paul William Hanson, 72, longtime elementary principal died Wednesday, September 10, 2003, at the Epsom Manor, Epsom, N.H. after a long illness.

Born July 31, 1931, in Concord, N.H. he was the son of Ernest W. and Lottie Lydia (Jarrest) Hanson. He grew up in Concord and graduated from Concord High School in 1950, where he played football and shared many great experiences with his friends and family throughout the years, calling the South End of Concord his home.

He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served on the USS Bushnell stationed in Norfolk, Va. and Key West, Fla. He was a graduate of the University of N.H. with a Batchelor of Science Degree and a Masters Degree in Education. His education was a major source of pride and he used it to teach countless thousands of students during his 31-year career.

Paul started his teaching career as Teacher/Principal in Epsom, N.H. followed by a Principal position in Brentwood, N.H. and finally 26 years of his professional career as Principal of the Memorial School in Newton, N.H.

Known for his tough yet compassionate style, he earned the respect of colleagues, teachers, parents and students. Memorial School created the Paul Hanson Science Award in his honor.

Paul also dabbled in the ownership of thoroughbred racehorses and spent many moments in the winner’s circle. His horses raced at Rockingham Park, Suffolk Downs, Saratoga and tracks in Florida. Paul was also known as a coach, umpire and game official for baseball and football.

Paul retired from elementary education in 1990, to preserve an active retirement. He married Dorothy (Champion) Hanson, former school nurse in Kingston and Exeter, N.H. Paul and Dottie shared their lives on Mica Point Island, Swains Lake in Barrington and spent winters at their home in Brooksville, Fla.

As an avid golfer, he spent many hours perfecting his chosen retirement activity, primarily as a member of Nippo Lake Country Club in Barrington. His greatest pleasures were spent at the lake and he spent his final years fishing, gardening, golfing and enjoying his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy (Champion) Hanson; his daughter, Paula Faye (Hanson) Keller of Epping; his son Paul David Hanson of Pembroke; his brother, Ernest William Hanson of Ocala, Fla.; his step sons, Donald Champion of Eaton, Colorado and James Champion of Kingston; his two step daughters, Nancy Lanza of Newtown, Conn. and Carol Gould of Bethel, Me.; mother of his children, Rosalie (Twombly) Hanson; four grandchildren; eight step grandchildren and one great granddaughter.

A memorial service in his honor will be held at the First Congregational Church in Kingston, N.H. on Friday, September 19, 2003, at 6pm with Rev. David Thomas officiating. Family flowers only. Memorial contributions may be made to the Paul W. Hanson Memorial Scholarship Fund, C/O Bank North N.A., PO Box 608, Kingston, N.H. 03848.

Arrangements are under the direction of Purdy Memorial Chapel, Lee NH. To express sympathy and to sign our on line guest book, please visit us atwww.purdyfuneralservice.com