Born amidst the wheat farms of Jamestown, Kansas, on March 18, 1952, Louis A. Hanson, D.O., drew upon his midwestern roots to become a reliable rock for his loved ones and patients. His strong journey of more than 60 years took a tragic turn on June 24, 2012, while pursuing his passion for flying his Stinson plane, “Isabella.”

The “Good Doctor” from Cumberland made an indelible mark on the medical community in Maine, dedicating more than 30 years of his professional life as a solo family practitioner and serving on a number of boards and committees aimed at improving standards of care. His true legacy, however, was his loving care for each of his patients, whether on Tuttle Road, in a hospital, or in their homes.

More than just “a pretty bow tie,” Dr. Hanson had a talent for music that he often put on display while whistling to Gordon Lightfoot or drumming on the steering wheel to the Doors. He also loved thrashing around in an old Land Rover, throwing horseshoes and telling jokes, and cheering for the Jayhawks, the Red Sox, his children, and his grandchildren. His love for family always shone through during his teary-eyed Thanksgiving toasts and was felt with his gregarious bear hugs.

Dr. Hanson was preceded in death by his parents, Patricia A. Peterson and Donald B. Hanson. He is survived by his three sisters, Dr. Rebecca Hanson- Richardson, the Rev. Rachael Hanson, and the Rev. Mother Abbess Aemiliane and their families, his wife Julie E. Tate, his daughter Elizabeth E. Walker, his son Andrew P. Hanson, his son-in-law Chris V. Walker, his stepson Michael N. Caron, and his grandchildren Lucy B. Mercer and Tuck A. Mercer. Nothing put a bigger smile on Dr. Hanson’s face than knowing Lucy and Tuck were nearing his home in Durham and exclaiming, “You know what the white fence means; we’re about to see ‘Pops’!”

For those interested in making a donation in lieu of flowers, the “Louis Hanson Memorial Fund” has been established at TD Bank, One Portland Square, Portland, ME 04101, as an education fund for the benefit of Lucy and Tuck.

Visiting hours will be held from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, June 28th at the Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 29th at the Greely High School, 303 Main Street, Cumberland Center, Maine.

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