It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Carl Alfred Hansen on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in Sidney, British Columbia. Carl was born in Brooks, Alberta, on June 17, 1956, and lived a life filled with curiosity, hard work, and deep devotion to the people he loved.
Carl is predeceased by his parents, William Alfred (Bill) Hansen and Ruth Laura Hansen (Kuhl). He is lovingly remembered by his partner and best friend, Susan Robertson of Brooks, Alberta; his siblings Dianne Hansen of Calgary, Arnold (Lorna) of Calgary, Brian (Marivic) of Okotoks, and Eric (Grace) of Medicine Hat; Susan’s children, Ursula and Rebecca; her grandsons, Alexander Robertson of Brooks, and Ethan Joudrey, of Helena, Montana; and his many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and many friends.
Those who knew Carl will remember his sharp mind, spirited love of a good debate, unwavering loyalty to his family, and how much he tenderly spoiled his beloved terriers. He had an adventurous, free-spirited nature that shaped both his personal life and his work.
A true entrepreneur, Carl built several successful businesses over the years, including liquor stores in Brooks, Alberta, and a VRBO in Hungry Horse, Montana. He approached every venture with vision, grit, honesty, and an extraordinary work ethic. He was most happy when pursuing his big projects, like building his house in Hungry Horse, landscaping with his Kubota and large rocks and dump-truck loads of soil, and most recently, getting qualified with Susan to take their boat out by themselves.
Carl will be known for his warm and generous hospitality—whether hosting in Brooks, Hungry Horse, Montana, Peoria, Arizona, or on Vancouver Island. Carl’s door was always open, and friends and family were welcomed with good beer, laughter, stories, and genuine connection.
Carl always looked forward to his daily outdoor walks with his spirited Jack Russell companions, Susan, and their families and friends. especially by the sea, but also in the desert and the mountains. Most recently, Carl was excited for his next adventure—exploring the coastal waters around Vancouver Island with Susan on their new boat.
In memory of Carl, if friends desire, memorial tributes and donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Brooks Animal Protection Society (B.A.P.S.), or to their local dog rescue association.
A Celebration of Carl’s Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC beginning at 2:00pm on Monday, February 23, 2026.
The zoom link for those who wish to attend virtually is: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89628888429?pwd=aFkOq9n88NGUfhRzIJzXiKRtwampd4.1
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Hansen” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
-
Connie Horton
-
Greg Patterson well that was a terrific send off i watched on zoom ,condolences to carls family and especially to Susan i know he would appreciate it if there is anything i can do please let me know i will miss Carl and will always count him as a true friend Greg Patterson
-
Harry and Claudie Claudie and I met Carl and Maggie on the rooftop at Bellavista where Carl, Susan and Claudie had appartments.
This friendship developed into regular “happy hour” events either on Claudie’s ground floor patio or on the roof top. Maggie was always with Carl, and Susan joined when she was able.
Carl and Claudie were on the same page on many issues. Claudie has lost her “freedom fighting” buddy.
We had made plans and were looking forward to happy hours on Liberty with Carl, Susan and Maggie.
We will miss your enthusiastic and passionate contributions to our conversations.
Gone too soon.
Carl will be dearly remembered and sadly missed.
Love,
Claudie, Harry and Teddie.
-
Neil Hansen So many good memories of the farm at Seven Persons in the 1960s–Uncle Billy, Aunt Ruth, and all five of the “Billy Kids.” Carl was #4 in order of birth, and alphabetically #3, of the A, B, C, D, E cousins (Arnold, Brian, Carl, Dianne, and Eric). He was three years younger than I, so I didn’t pay him much mind as a kid, but even then I could tell he had a rare twist and spin to his outlook and humour. When I saw him again in Victoria, after more than 55 years of living in different worlds, we spent more time over lunches and coffees and pints, sometimes the two of us, sometimes with Susan and other cousins and visitors, and I saw that that humour had stayed with him, had grown in expression, and uniquely shaped his life: a quick and adventurous mind; wide-ranging and engaging conversation sprinkled liberally with sly wit; keen interests tempered with knowing skepticism; entrepreneurism (he told me he was fired from every job he ever had so he had to start his own businesses); good-spirited confidence in himself and the future; and a kindness to others in his voice and recollections.
So many good memories of Grandma and Grandpa Hansen’s farm at Duchess. All the family reunions. The cousins, so many of us, grow old now and begin to pass away. Losing a cousin is a lack and a sorrow, even in a big family, even when you don’t see them for 55 years.
And Carl was too young.
Sympathies and condolences to Susan and all the Bill and Ruth Hansen family and to all the cousins as well, who will feel it closely.
Bill and I send hugs and condolences to Susan and the “Billy Kids” and their families!♥️
Carl was one of a kind and we so enjoyed visiting with him at our last family reunion. I always enjoyed a good chat when he lived in Brooks and have so many memories when family gathered at Grandma and Grandpa’s. We were a big family but close and came together often. Family is everything!!
The service was fitting for a great guy and he will be missed♥️
Love and Hugs, Connie♥️