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Peter Hanson Obituary
Peter Day Hanson, eldest child of the Rev. Richard Ewing Hanson and Margery (Day) Hanson, was born in New York City on March 29, 1929. He died in Rutland, Vermont on March 8, 2015.
After elementary school in Scarsdale, NY, he attended Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts and entered Harvard College in the fall of 1946. He was stricken with polio and spent a year and a half at the Warm Springs Foundation in Warm Springs, Georgia. Returning to Harvard and graduating in 1951, he attended Union Theological Seminary in New York. After ordination as a Methodist minister, he served three parishes in Vermont, in the towns of Milton, Poultney and Brandon. He married Cynthia Barstow on October 2, 1954, and together they had four children.
After 11 years as a minister, he decided to become a Social Studies teacher and returned to Harvard for an MAT. He moved to Connecticut and taught at the Coleytown and Staples schools in Westport until he retired and moved to Rutland, VT.
Energetic and gregarious, Peter was known for his prodigious memory and encyclopedic knowledge of the Bible, hymnody, classical music, many historical periods and current events. He was a loving husband, father and older brother.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia; his four children, Catherine Adele Hanson, Christopher Barstow Hanson, Cynthia Day Hanson and Charles Edward Hanson and wife, Kathryn; three siblings, Nancy Hanson Stevenson and husband, Ross, Elizabeth Hanson Mellen and husband, Allen and Richard E. Hanson, Jr. and wife, Cheryl; and several nieces and nephews.
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Memories and Condolences
for Peter Hanson
David Hughes
March 26, 2015
Rev. Hanson helped us a lot when he was the pastor of the Poultney Methodist Church. We learned a lot while in MYF. He took us on a trip to NYC and set up visits to the Green Mountain college. His sermons got us to think as well as to believe in God and the Lord Jesus. Both he and Mrs. Hanson are just wonderful people.
March 19, 2015
As a newly ordained minister in Peter's church in Fairfield, I couldn't have asked for a better mentor and friend. He and Cynthia were crucial to my ministerial formation. Dennis Winkleblack
Bruce Cook
March 17, 2015
My condolences to the family of Rev. Hanson. I have fond memories of Sunday school at Poultney Methodist church and going to a church day camp at the family farm in East Poultney.
Ann & Kae Goettelmann, Fretz
March 13, 2015
We loved Peter, Friday am bible study in library at Gables. Seeing every Sunday at church in his favorite spot. God Bless his lovely wife and all she did for him. RIP Peter your missed everyday. xoxoxo Annie & Kae
Harmon Thurston
March 12, 2015
We were privileged to know such a kind, generous man and enjoyed many times and him and his family. We send out best wishes to his family and will miss him.
Robin Bombard
March 11, 2015
I've got very fond memories of Rev. Hanson while growing up in Brandon and attending the Methodist Church.. He was a remarkable role model who while living with polio was still able to hike the Long Trail from Middlebury Gap to Brandon Gap with his Methodist Youth Group. Then there was the trip to the Worlds Fair in NYC that he organized. I have many good memories of the man in my youth and for that, I thank you. RIP Rev Hanson.
Bob Bruso
March 10, 2015
My prayers go out to all of Peter's family. Peter was a vital part of my growing up in Poultney. He now rests with his Lord. I know that his memory will live in the hearts of you, his family, and all the lives he has touched over the years. Rest in Peace, Rev Peter.
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