It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul “Sonny” Hansen on Saturday, April 13, 2019 after a courageous battle in his 90th year. He was born July 31, 1929 in Chatham. Beloved husband and best friend of Suzanne Hansen (nee Jacquot) for 65 years. Proud and loving father to Michelle Gardiner, Paula (Dave) Haisell, Jamie (Mary-Lou), Karen (Bill) Kaschak, Jeff (Kim), Kathy Hansen, Chris (Kay), the late Jacqueline Hansen (2017). Sonny fondly tracked the achievements of his many grandchildren, Nicole (Troy), Dave (Laura), David, Ashley (Eric), Adrian (Theresa), Adam (Amanda), Brett (Sarah), Jordan, Jeff (Chelsea), Justin (Lawanda), Miranda (Clint), Kirsten (Blade), Tristan (Christie), Wesley, Stephanie (Alastair), Megan (Mitch), Tyler (Leah), Sarah, Jazmine (Antonio), and Jillian. Proud great-grandfather of Kylie, Cody, Norah, Kenley, Ocean, Enrico, Willow, Easton, Lachlan, Maddox, and Sybella. He was the son of the late William and Karen Hansen and predeceased by sister Else (Frank) Todd, brothers Art and Elmer, and sister-in-law Joyce. Survived by siblings Liz (Gord) Kirk, Gunnar Hansen, Bob (Margaret) Hansen, Danny (Theresa) Hansen and sister-in-law Mary. Dear brother-in-law to Henri Jacquot, Aline Gratton, Lorette Nelson and Jean-Paul Durocher. Predeceased by in-laws Rene (Norma) Jacquot, Jeanne (Doug) Ferrari, Jean Jacquot, John Gratton, Jack Nelson, Denise (Buck) Gammon and Helene Durocher. He was affectionately known as Uncle Sonny by his many nieces and nephews.

Paul was a machinist tool and die operator at Dominion Forge. He was a proud union man and became very passionate about representing workers as a Skill Trades Chairperson. In the late 60’s he was elected as Financial Secretary Treasurer of UAW Local 195 and continued in that position with the CAW until his retirement in 1990. Paul expressed his interest for bowling early on, and his days as a pin setter. He enjoyed his old cars, RV and trailer park, family cottage getaways, going to car races, building bird houses, watching many animals in his backyard, catching the latest news on TV, and a good meal along with great conversation with family and friends. But his proudest moments were the times spent with the love of his life and raising their eight children.

Our family would like to thank all the staff at WRH Met Campus, especially those in the ICU, for their dedication, compassion and professionalism during Sonny’s time of need.

For those who wish, donations may be made to the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County, or TLC Animal Aid.

Visitation on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. with Parish Prayers at 4:30 p.m. at Families First 3260 Dougall Ave. South Windsor, 519-969-5841.

On Wednesday, April 17, 2019 family and friends are invited to gather directly at Corpus Christi Church, 1400 Cabana Rd. W., after 10:00 a.m. until words of remembrance are shared immediately followed by a Funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Procession to Heavenly Rest Cemetery for interment to follow.