I knew there was a Ralph Hanson.  I knew he was a high school basketball star back in the day.  I knew he had a magical place on the way to Deep Creek.  I knew his little sister, Trudy and his mother, Deon.  That was about all I knew.  

Then, back in 2013 I started serving on the Hospital Board.  Ralph was a member of the board and my first interaction with him was trying to understand his multi-page financial report.  I remember thinking, “I can’t do this.  It’s way over my head.”  Ralph went through the document and by the time he finished I knew a little of the status and projections of the Oneida County Hospital and I knew Ralph Hanson was smart.

Later, I helped with the Co-op clean-up and Ralph moved in and out of the facility as community members worked to clean out over a century of life.  He quietly offered suggestions, monitored carefully what was going on and made us keep all the insulation for future projects.  I knew Ralph Hanson had plans and that when he was around, we couldn’t go very far astray.

Now, I walk at the park and pass the Kola Hanson bench.  Ralph wasn’t afraid to put time and money into what mattered to him.  Last year, he made a sizeable donation to plant trees at the park, continue the work of the Pioneer Museum and to jumpstart progress on the Co-op restoration.  Ralph had significant projects on his property which brought him satisfaction, but after reading his obituary at horsleyfuneralhome.com I believe it was this community that helped him build a full life.  He supported us well and now we can support him by enjoying the park and the museum and working to bring the Co-op to its potential.  It will contribute to a full life for us as we work together.  And a full life is a Good Life.  Thank you, Ralph Hanson.