Donald W. Hanson

February 9, 1935 - May 16, 2022
Donald Wayne Hanson was born in Quincy, MA, February 9, 1935, the only son of Bernard Noyes Hanson from Quebec, Canada, and Ethel Rosamond (Ricker) Hanson from Somerville, MA. His favorite childhood memories were of milking cows on his Uncle Howard's farm in Wethersfield, VT and spending time with his Irish setter, Timmy, on the shores of Lake Boone in Stowe, MA.
He graduated from Dedham High School in 1952, received an undergraduate degree from UMass Amherst in 1956 and an MBA from Babson College in 1960, and served in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Don had a long career in corporate marketing. He also owned and operated a general store in West Chesterfield, NH in the 1970s, and in retirement authored two books and taught marketing at Suffolk College and Bryant University.
Don's commitment to his community and his faith was evident in his service to both. He was president of Hebron Food Pantry for five years and served as council chair, treasurer, and choir member at Centenary United Methodist Church in Attleboro, MA. It was here Don met the love of his life and true-life partner of thirty-nine years Janice Stone Hanson, who survives him.
Don was also survived by his daughters Jennifer Strongwood and Karla Hanson as well as Janice's sons: Wayne Wardwell, Christopher Wardwell, Todd Wardwell, and Jeremy Wardwell, their spouses and partners: David Neale-Lorello, Jason Freitag, Cara Cargill, Kelly Wardwell, Molly Wardwell, and Caryn Wardwell; 14 grandchildren: Joseph, Sophie, Natalie, Elizabeth, Megan, Justin, Harrison, Jesse, Logan, Calib, TJ, Kyle, Cory, and Declan and two great grandchildren: Julieanne and Jolene.
Don was a kind and gentle person, adoring spouse to Jan, deeply caring father, and joyful grandfather.
He appreciated the outdoors and was happiest in a boat, walking on the beach, at a campsite furthest from the road, or watching the sunset from the deck with the people he loved. Throughout the challenges in his life, he displayed his active belief we all have a capacity to grow beyond our own understanding and above difficult life circumstances we may suffer.
He humbly listened to understand, brought his best to each situation, was deeply loyal, and anyone who knew him was given a wonderous opportunity to be better for it. Don consistently over all else chose, love.
The family thanks the staff of LifeCare of Attleboro for the constant caring and loving kindness they showed Don and the entire family.
Family and friends are cordially invited to attend Visitation on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the "Memorial Chapel" of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro, MA.
All are invited to attend a Funeral Service on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church, 15 Sanford Street, Attleboro, MA.
Burial will follow in North Purchase Cemetery, Attleboro, MA.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the Hebron Food Pantry or Centenary United Methodist Church in Attleboro, MA.