Edward “Ed” Hanson, 66, died Friday at his home in Paxton. Will Brumleve/Ford County Chronicle
Sometime soon after Ed Hanson was appointed as director of the Paxton Emergency Response Service in June 2007, I mistakenly printed his name incorrectly, calling him
Ed “Hancock.”
I can’t remember if he pointed it out — or if instead I saw it and told him I did it — but I nevertheless made sure I owned my mistake and, for good measure, made sure he knew I would never live it down. I kind of made it into a running joke, between myself and Mr. Hancock — I mean, Hanson — for years, as I’d constantly call him “Hancock” to rub in my own error, not his own.
I’m still not sure how exactly it was funny, but we both laughed every time. I kept it up, too, as I once hand-delivered to his Paxton home a DVD of the movie “Hancock,” the 2008 satirical superhero film starring Will Smith, for him to own and enjoy.
Maybe it was because Ed was always good for a joke, or good for a laugh. Somehow, he always made me laugh and smile in our brief but regular encounters. He always was such a genuinely nice guy.
Even after his foot and lower leg were amputated due to diabetes complications in April 2010, severely limiting his mobility, he kept a positive attitude throughout his recovery, always smiling and seeming to enjoy the moment. His attitude complemented another outstanding trait: his dedication to his family and his community. From his time in a wheelchair to his time using crutches and eventually walking with a prosthetic leg, Mr. Hanson’s dedication never wavered, as he continued to serve as ERS director — either from his home, the ERS station or on scene. To see him bounce back like he did was inspiring.
After speaking with some of his current and onetime ERS colleagues and others in the community on Sunday and Monday, it seems many people in Paxton besides myself have nothing but fond memories of Mr. Hanson, who died unexpectedly.
