About the Hanson's
Formative Years
Kevin was born in Winnipeg, but grew up in Calgary's Lake Bonavista, after a family move in Grade 7 from Ottawa. His father Ron was working the Department of Veterans affairs at the time, and took a transfer to be Executive Director of the Colonel Belcher Hospital. Kevin’s mother was a nurse prior to raising the Hanson family-of-4 children. Oris enrolled in a nursing refresher course at Mount Royal while Kevin was at Dr. E.P. Scarlett high school, and both graduated the same June. She went on to work for many years in orthopedics at the Rockyview Hospital. Kevin remembers tensions in the house were always interesting whenever the Alberta Nurses went on strike!
The Young Family
Kevin married his best friend and high-school sweet-heart Judy the year before the Calgary Winter Olympics. Judy's family has deep roots in Calgary. Her grandfather moved to Calgary in 1908 at the tender age of 8, and her father Al was born in the old Calgary General Hospital. Her mother hailed from New Brunswick, moving adventurously to Calgary as a young woman in 1952.
When asked how long he has been married, Kevin will usually reply “an eternity” and then qualify it with the understanding that he was Judy’s Junior High graduation date. That said, they have just celebrated their 34th Wedding Anniversary.
Kevin and Judy have two children. The lure of the quality of life in Springbank was strong for the young family, so they located to Elbow Valley in 2000 when their youngest was just 3 years old.
Judy, Sarah and Dana
Bragg Creek - Springbank Scouting
Kevin gave his heartfelt support for Judy - "If you are driving all the way to the school gymnasium, you might as well stay there and be a Beaver Leader.” - which evolved into a rewarding 10-year long volunteer effort culminating with Judy serving a number of years as the 151 Springbank Group Commissioner. For her dedicated volunteer work with the group Judy received a number of awards including the 10-year leadership award. Many a Bragg Creek and Springbank Cub Car and Scout Truck where constructed in Kevin’s wood working shop.
Kevin and Judy's passion for the mountains rubbed off on their children, and Sarah and Dana continue to enjoy getting some fresh air and enjoying the Rocky Mountains so close to where the family members live.
This photo from Father's Day 2021.
Interests and Hobbies
Interests and Hobbies
Kevin has a diverse range of non-work related interests, including radio control soaring, photography, backpacking, skiing, golfing, cycling, computers, brewing beer, barbeque, construction and fine woodworking.
In Kevin and Judy’s younger years, summer vacation entailed getting lost in the mountains. Together, they have backpacked the Great Divide Trail from Kananaskis to North of Jasper by linking annual 1- to 2-week segments. A long-time cyclist, for a number of years Kevin commuted by bicycle to downtown Calgary from Elbow Valley.
Community Volunteer Service
Closer to home, Kevin served on the Board of Directors of the Elbow Valley Residents Club for 8 years, over the period 2006-2018, Including 2-years as President. Upon his retirement from the EVRC board to allow for his municipal endeavours, Kevin earned the community volunteer of the year as recognition for his contributions to community governance.
Elbow Valley is a complex bare land condominium organization of 700 residences, and operating the community bears many similarities to running a small town. Kevin understands that his experience in helping steward Elbow Valley translated into a solid contribution for Rocky View Council.