Clifford H. Hanson

Clifford H. Hanson slipped away quietly on a memorable day in history, 12-12-12, and now his family pictures him dancing in heaven with Helen, his wife of 66 years, who preceded him in death on Oct. 15.

Cliff was born on Jan. 28, 1917, in Arnegard, N.D. He attended Poly Tech (Rocky Mountain College) and then served in the South Pacific during World War II. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he married Helen Feuerbacher on Nov. 17, 1945.

Throughout his life, Cliff was a dedicated educator who challenged his students to be the best they could be. He began his career as an English/history teacher in Conrad, but later became an administrator for schools in Moccasin, Box Elder and Outlook. After his retirement, he moved to Redstone, Mont. Cliff spent hours as the volunteer caretaker on the Redstone golf course and also worked at the post office until he and Helen became Yuma snowbirds.

In 1995, Cliff suffered a stroke that paralyzed him and took his gift of gab. However, he and his wife continued to go south for 14 more years before moving to Baker in 2009, where their life journey ended this fall.

Cliff, the stubborn Norwegian, will be remembered as a strong, determined man who did not let life's challenges prevent him from living a full life. Cliff enjoyed fishing, hunting, golfing, traveling and playing cards. He was even up for a game of cribbage in the last two weeks of his life.

Cliff is survived by three children, Cliff, Jr. (Sheila) of Billings, Jan (Steve) Stickney of Ismay, and Steve (Jenny) of Billings; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sisters Wilma and Gertrude; grandson, Scott Hanson, as well as his parents Gustav and Nora (Drange) Hanson.

Cremation has taken place and a private memorial service will be held later. The Fallon County Medical Complex Long Term Care Center and its CNA staff should be commended for the special care and assistance given to Cliff during the last three-and-a-half years of his life. Memorials on his behalf may be sent to Rocky Mountain College in Billings, Mont.

Arrangements are under the care of Stevenson Funeral Home of Baker.