HANSON,
Robert 'Bob'
April 23, 2025 75
Nov. 17, 1949 – April
23, 2025
With deep love and heavy hearts, we announce
the passing of Robert “Bob” Hanson, who died
peacefully at his home on Long Lake on April 23, in the
community he loved so much.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife
Jean Hanson, and leaves behind his daughter Jess and son-in-law
Joe, his son Russ and daughter-in-law Brooklyn, and his
treasured grandchildren Meehan, Henry, Charlie, and Jack—each
one, in his eyes, a favourite.
Bob is also survived by his siblings Jim
(Colleen), Kathy (Wally), and Jean (Tom, predeceased),
as well as many nieces, nephews, friends, and fellow adventurers.
Bob was born in South River, Ontario.
During his elementary school years, his family relocated
first to North Bay and later to Sudbury.
He attended Sudbury High before embarking
on a career as a land surveyor, a profession that took
him across the backwoods of Northern Ontario. His deep
respect for the land guided his work and became a lasting
value he instilled in his children and grandchildren.
Bob was a passionate cross-country skier
and shared that passion with many. He coached the Laurentian
University Nordic Ski Team, introduced countless people
to the sport he loved, and was instrumental in developing
and maintaining the Laurentian ski trails, including Sofie’s
Loop, of which he was particularly proud. He was a trail
groomer, the founder of the Jackrabbit program at Laurentian
Nordic, and swore he had invented "crust skiing."
When Kivi Park was first established,
Bob was glad to lend his time and expertise to trail development,
helping to fulfill his long-time dream of having ski trails
in the woods near his home.
He was also an enthusiastic participant
and volunteer in the Sudbury Fitness Challenge. At his
peak, he earned the overall title of Mr. Fit Sudbury.
After his competitive days, he could be regularly found
helping out on his bike, leading racers around the Sudbury
Rocks route or offering paddling support for swimmers
at the Beaton Classic and Island Swim.
He was a skilled woodworker, sailor, and
outdoorsman. He took great joy in canoe trips through
Killarney, Algonquin, and Phillip Edward Island. He spent
many hours sailing on Long Lake, Lake Huron and Georgian
Bay, often with the bare minimum in safety equipment.
His biking trip across Canada with his dear friend George
was the stuff of legend.
He loved dogs—his own and those
from around the neighbourhood, who came to know Bob as
a reliable source of treats and affection.
Bob’s enduring legacy is one of
deep curiosity, appreciation of nature, and a tireless
dedication to the community. He will be deeply missed
and forever remembered with love and admiration. Go Leaf’s!
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