William Ernest HANSEN

William "Bill" Ernest Hansen February 23, 1916 - October 23, 2004 Funeral arrangements by Atlantic Funeral Home (Halifax) HANSEN, William Ernest "Bill" - 88, Halifax, died Saturday, October 23, 2004, in QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax. Born in L'Ardoise, Cape Breton and raised in Halifax, Bill was a son of the late John (Johannes) and Annie (Morvan) Hansen of Halifax. While still in his teens, Bill began working as a longshoreman on the Halifax waterfront. During his more than 50 years as a longshoreman, most of them as a foreman, Bill was an active member of the International Longshoremen's Association holding various executive positions. He was a member of a team of Halifax longshoremen who traveled to various Great Lakes ports in the United States in 1959 and 1960, to assist in the development of personnel to service ports of the newly opened St. Lawrence Seaway. Bill held a lifetime membership at Windsor Park Sergeant's Mess, where he competed successfully in many dart tournaments over the years. Bill was also a huge fan of boxing and baseball. He is survived by children, son, Fred (Vonnie); daughter, Chris (Claude Carter), all of Halifax. He is also survived by grandchildren, Sean Hansen, Heather Hansen-Dunbar, Jill Carter and Alex Carter, all of Halifax; sisters, Nora Granter and Marie Hansen; brothers, Edward Hansen and Gerald Hansen, all of Halifax; as well as many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Lillian "Lil" (Brigley) in 1997; by brothers, Walter in 1988, Raymond and Fred both killed in 1940 in the service of their country; and a brother and sister in infancy. Bill is resting in Atlantic Funeral Home, 6552 Bayers Rd., Halifax, where the family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. today, and 2-4, 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Wednesday in Saint Agnes Roman Catholic Church, 6903 Mumford Rd., Father Lloyd O'Neill officiating. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville. Family flowers only. If so desired, a donation in Bill's memory made to QEII Health Sciences Centre Foundation (please specify Unit 8.1, the New Halifax Infirmary), 1278 Tower Rd., Halifax NS B3H 2Y9, would be appreciated. On-line condolences may be sent to the family at: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com