Hanson, Ralph P., 48, of Caribou, on November 18, 2012. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m., November 22, from the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Arrangements are in the care of the Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
Caribou — Ralph P. Hanson, 48, seventh child born to Paul J, and Jeanette A. (Stairs) Hanson Sr. on Friday, September 11, 1964, died peacefully Sunday, November 18, 2012, at Caribou surrounded by his family. He was born and raised in Caribou to a wonderful family that made great memories in all they did. He began his education at the Holy Rosary Catholic School and was a 1983 graduate of Caribou High School. Following graduation, Ralph continued his education at Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute in the Culinary Arts program where he pursued his passion and love for cooking. In 1989 he returned to Caribou and was quickly taken under the wing of local restaurateur Fred Hackett. In 1989, Ralph was able to purchase the well-known Caribou business, Fredericks Southside Restaurant. In September 1991, Ralph met the love of his life, Michelle A. Albair and they were married August 21, 1993. On October 17, 1997, they became the proud parents of their first born, Paul Frederick Hanson and on December 1, 1999, they welcomed their daughter Danielle Ann Hanson into their family. Ralph was extremely proud of his children as he sat and enjoyed watching their sporting events and dance recitals. He especially enjoyed watching Paul play Little League and the Caribou School teams as Ralph did when he was Paul’s age. He also sat in the audience at many dance recitals with a twinkle in his eye as he watched Danielle dance across the stage. All of these things were made possible by the most import person in Ralph’s life, his wife Michelle, for whom he was eternally grateful, and he often referred to her as “The Boss”. He was always amazed at how well organized and flawless their lives would run with her in the driver’s seat. As Ralph and Michelle owned and operated Fredericks Southside and Catering Business side by side, the right hand always knew what the left was doing. In his spare time, Ralph enjoyed golfing, a good game of cribbage, NASCAR and just being with his family and friends, especially the “Boys”.
Ralph is survived by his wife, Michelle; his children, Paul and Danielle; and his mother, Jeanette all of Caribou; brothers and sisters, Karla St. Peter and her husband, Paul of Caribou, Paul Hanson Jr. of Yarmouth, Peter Hanson and wife, Karen of South Portland, Brenda Keaton and husband, Vaughn of Caribou, Michael and Dana Hanson both of Portland, Jennifer Beaupre and husband, Jerry of Caribou; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Michael and Suzette Albair of Woodland; sisters-in-law, Monica Fordyce and husband, Jason of San Diego, CA and Jennifer Albair of Portland. Ralph is also survived by Michelle’s grandparents, Harold and Betty Albair of Caribou as well as many nieces, nephews, aunts uncles and cousins. Mr. Hanson was predeceased by his father, Paul Sr. in 1993 and a niece, Kristen Havens in 2009.
Friends called at the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 22, 2012, from the Parish of the Precious Blood, Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Ralph’s long-time friend Fr. Robert Lupo, officiating, assisted by Fr. Emile Dube. Interment will be in the Evergreen Cemetery. Following the service all are invited to a time of continued fellowship and refreshments at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Mr. Hanson may do so through a memorial fund for his children, C/O Mockler Funeral Home, PO Box 27, Caribou, Maine 04736.
