MOUNT VERNON - Dana William Hanson, 74, of Mt. Vernon, Maine, passed away December 23, 2025, in the comfort of his home.

He was predeceased by his wife and childhood sweetheart Nancy Hanson, his nephew Richard Coakley, brother-in-law David Brunkhorst and his parents Oscar and Violet Hanson.

Dana was born August 7, 1951, in Winchester, Massachusetts. He graduated from Winchester High School in 1970. He became a letterman for football in 1966 and baseball in 1968. Dana earned his First-Class rank in the Boy Scouts of America, signifying his skills as a competent outdoorsman. He also earned the Senior Patrol Leaders Warrant in 1966. This award was given as evidence of his strong character, proficiency in scouting, and marked ability as a leader.

On June 17, 1972, Dana married the love of his life, Nancy Clark of Winchester, Massachusetts. They moved to Mt. Vernon, Maine shortly thereafter where they built their home, started a family, and worked to create a legacy of land in Mt. Vernon and Vienna for all their family and future generations to enjoy. They enjoyed thirty-three years of marriage before Nancy passed away from complications of breast cancer. Dana always kept Nancy’s memorial stone with him; constantly giving it a little rub or kiss, for love, luck, strength, or whatever the moment may need. He passed with her memorial stone in his pocket.

From 1981 to 2006 Dana was enlisted in the Maine Army National Guard. He received many awards during his service including but not limited to; Army Commendation Medal in 2004, Humanitarian Service Medal in 1998 and the Maine National Guard Soldier of the Year Award in 1985. He retired as a Staff Sargeant in 2006. During his career he made many lifelong friends; Myles Cloutier, Jeanne Clements and Dick Latno to name a few.

Dana’s greatest achievements in life were his children, Douglas Hanson, Heather Roberts and Carol Spaulding. He loved each one of them more deeply than they will ever be able to fully comprehend. He took full advantage of any moment to share a story of his pride for all of them.

Dana’s passion for hunting and fishing started with his father at a very young age and continued throughout every day of his life. His knowledge, and adventures, will live on in the stories that will continue to be told. He enjoyed many fishing trips to Alaska, Winnipesaukee, Jackman, Pittsburgh, Flying Pond or any lake or pond that he could cast a line or set a trap. These adventures were enjoyed with Ken Rackliff, Billy and Donna Davis, Gail and Arthur Kelley, Karl and Will Morin, Darryl Ore, Manny Miranda, Heather and Brett Roberts and many others; including anyone else who might be there who was willing to talk to him or listen. Dana enjoyed many hunting trips as well, including Western Massachusetts, Anticosti and above all, his land on the mountain. He knew every inch of the mountain like the back of his hand, only surpassed by the deer that live there. There were many who Dana hunted with over the years, but most notable are Bernie Hanson, Adam Hudson, Eric Hanson, Jon Hudson, Karl Morin, Darryl Ore, Manny Miranda, Karen Hanson, Carol Spaulding, Heather and Brett Roberts. Whenever you get a deer, know that Dana will be with you in spirit celebrating your success!

Dana loved his family and many friends. He regularly made phone calls to as many people as he could. He loved to tell stories, jokes, and anything that would make you, and him, laugh. He took any chance he could to take a ride up the mountain, whether it was by car, truck, 4-wheeler, snowmobile or Model A Ford. Mountain rides involved family reunion blueberry runs, sunset cruises, or just to get away from everything. His latest trips up the mountain were with his sister Karen, brother Kurt and niece Sara; they enjoyed blueberry field sunsets together. Dana enjoyed many Sunday visits, breakfasts, and trips to the casino with his close friends Ken and Laurie Rackliff. His voice singing in the car will be irreplaceable. He was forever grateful for the everlasting support he received from his brother Kurt, and his close friend Rodney Bridges. Friday morning rides with his daughter Heather, and his ‘lush’ Copper will not be the same without him.

Every October Dana would join his many Aruba friends on their yearly trip. His trips to Aruba started with his wife’s 50th birthday celebration and continued for the next 20 years thanks to the support of his sister Nancy. He loved dancing with everyone, telling jokes, dressing up for Halloween, fishing trips and frequenting the Alhambra.

Dana is survived by his son Douglas Hanson, daughters Heather Roberts and Brett, Carol Spaulding and James, grandchildren Meranda Harger and Nick, Trinity and Tyler Spaulding and four great grandchildren. He leaves behind his siblings; Kurt Hanson, Karen Hanson, Nancy Brunkhorst, Lyssa Morin and Jim, Judi Hudson and Jon, as well as many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews who he considered all of them to be his additional children. The list of friends and lives he has positively impacted is enormous. He will be greatly missed.

Dana’s celebration of life will be held Saturday January 3rd, 2026, at 1pm, at the North Vienna United Methodist Church, 572 Tower Road, Vienna Maine. There will be a gathering following the celebration at the church. Dana loved Hawaiian shirts, if the mood strikes you, wear a Hawaiian shirt to his celebration of life

In honor of Dana, call a family member or friend, forgive those who wrong you, and do more of what makes you happy!

Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of their website at www.khrfuneralhomes.com