Leland Alfred Hance

Leland Alfred Hance died February 14, 2018 at age 84.  He was born in Dorothy, Minnesota to Alfred Louis Hance and Olivine Adeline Hance.  Lee was preceded in death by his loving wife, Patricia, and his sister, Dolores Trudeau, and brothers, James, Edward, and Thomas Hance.  He is survived by his daughter, Michele, his son Michael, and sister, Joan Hance with husband William Stookey.

As a young boy, Lee began learning his exceptional business skills by working in his Dad’s general store which included the town’s post office, gas station, grocery store, butcher shop and tavern.  Lee’s first love was his dog, Brownie, who walked him to the one-house country school each school day. Lee graduated from Red Lake Falls High School in Minnesota and worked his way through Northwestern University with a degree in business.

Lee Served the military as a classified courier attached to the Pentagon.

His first job after leaving the service was as a sales representative where he cultivated his love of travel traversing many states including Colorado where he met his wife, Patricia Connor. He then joined his father in the hardware business in Minnesota utilizing his entrepreneurial skills at two Hance Hardware stores in Excelsior, and Minnetonka. He was active in community activities and volunteered for the fire department. Lee also sponsored the local fireworks, the chamber of commerce, was active in Rotary, where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow.

During his many years in Minnesota Lee founded the Sailor newspaper, and the Avalanche snow removal company.   

A proud moment in Lee and Pat’s life was when they hosted and mentored a wonderful Vietnamese family who continue to be part of the family to this day.

Lee and Pat moved to Englewood, Colorado in the mid nineties where they purchased Kathie’s Chalet and were successful together in selling fine collectibles. Moving away from the demands of operating a business, Lee began working for Tamarac Ace Hardware Store as an outside sales rep.  During retirement, he volunteered for SCORE, and mentored many businesses to greater success.

Lee enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada with his brothers and nephews. He loved to travel to other countries with his life-time friend, Don Carew. they went to Istanbul, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and more. He also loved to travel with his family to Florida, New Orleans, and Barcelona. In the past two years he and his niece, Tammy Platte fulfilled a bucket list wish by fishing in the seas near Mexico.  He loved gardening, and amateur geology. He was fond of the family dogs- Mr. Watson, Harry, Molly Brown, Peanut, and Izzy.

A memorial service has been set for February 23rd at the Drinkwine Mortuary at 1:00 pm.   In lieu of flowers, the family is asking a donation be made to Project Angel Heart or Craig Hospital.

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