Harry Paulson-Hanson

Article Last Updated; Friday, July 03, 2009 8:14AM

Harry Paulson-HansonHarry Paulson-Hanson, co-owner of Hanson Honda in Farmington, died Monday, June 29, 2009, of prostate cancer. He was 65.

Mr. Paulson-Hanson was born in 1944 and raised in Minnesota.

He served four years in the Navy then moved to Detroit, where he went to college and lived for 14 years. It was there that he started his 35- year career in the car business.

He returned to Minnesota in 1979 to hunt with his father and met his future wife, Gail Paulson.

"Sparks flew, and in our 30 years together, we have passionately enjoyed life," Mrs. Paulson-Hanson said.

In 1991, they moved from Minneapolis to Farmington, where they started Hanson Honda and ran the business together for 18 years.

The dealership will remain open under Mrs. Paulson-Hanson's management.

In 1993, they moved to Durango, where they raised their family.

Mr. Paulson-Hanson's passions included bird-hunting, skiing, hiking, boating, attending music festivals, four-wheeling and enjoying the beauty of the outdoors with his family and friends.

"In business and in his personal life, Harry showed the most incredible integrity. Everyone loved his witty sense of humor, that mischievous twinkle in those blue eyes, and his poetic nature," family members said. "He fought courageously for his life and never gave up. He will be forever missed, forever loved and never forgotten."

Mr. Paulson-Hanson is survived by his wife, Gail Paulson-Hanson; sons Taylor Hanson and Jordan Hanson; and daughter, Nicole Hanson, all of Durango.

Cremation has occurred. Memorial services will be announced at a later date.