Serving spaghetti Approximately 400 - 500 people crowded the Bear Hundreds of people came to Leader Feb. 20, to show their support for Leader native Rick Hanson, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer.

“It felt like Growler’s Days,” said Donna Hanson, Rick’s wife of 27 years. “There were so many people...it was just amazing.”

The benefit spaghetti dinner/live auction was held at the Bear’s Den, which is owned by Rick’s sister Glenda and her husband, Gary Dauer.

Gary estimates that at least 400 - 500 people stopped by at some point; and many of these folks stayed all day.

“It’s tremendous how a small community like this can come together when there’s someone in need,” Gary said. “People really pitched in...it’s a reminder to me that there is still good out there in this world.”

Volunteers, made up of friends and family members (including Rick’s kids, Jesse, Cody and Becky), cooked and served the meal. Most of the groceries for the spaghetti dinner were donated; and folks from all over brought a variety of items which were auctioned off by auctioneer Daryl Larson.

Auctioneer Daryl Larson, auctioneer, donated his services Feb. 20, to help raise money for Rick Hanson There was live music as well, with piano man Gary Timbs; and a few other performers singing a song or two.

Rick’s daughter, Becky, played guitar and sang a song for her dad; and Gary Dauer sang a song he had composed (along with Donna, Cody and Becky) in honor of Rick.

“We wanted to sing a song that really

expressed who Rick is...how he helps others

and how he looks at life,” Gary said. “Anyone who knows Rick knows that he’s

always enjoyed life on a day to day basis.”

In their song, the composers included phrases that Rick is known to say. “Things like, ‘Too soon to tell,’ and ‘Today’s history, tomorrow’s a mystery,” Gary said. “‘If the good Lord’s willin’ and the creek don’t rise’ is another one of his sayings,” Gary added.

They are still overwhelmed by the goodness of so many people, Donna said.

“I don’t even know where to begin with the ‘thank you’s,’” she said. “People were so generous...they gave in so many ways.”

Eight of Rick’s nine siblings were able to attend the benefit, Donna said. “His brother, John, came from Montana, and his brother, Charlie, came from South Dakota,” she added.

Rick’s parents, Don and June Hanson were there for their son; as were his inlaws, Fred and Hazel Fleisher.

“There were so many nieces and nephews and other friends...I can’t even begin to name them all,” Donna said. “Even some of our kids’ school friends came,” she added.

Donna said she was amazed to see some of her co-workers from Trident Seafoods at the auction. “I had only worked there about four months before Rick got sick. I couldn’t believe they came...it was great to see them.”

Kevin Pederson, from the Oylen area, said he wouldn’t have missed the benefit for the world. “Rick was the best man at my wedding...I’ve known the Hanson family for about 30 years,” Kevin said.

Richard Marquardt drove from the Backus area to show his support. “I’ve been friends with the Hanson family for a long time. I know they’d be there for me.”

Others came from just down the road.

“This is a pretty amazing community,” said Ruth Boldan, a long-time resident of Leader. “I look around this room and see so many people who have known one form of hardship or another in this past year.”

In fact, it wasn’t too long ago that Ruth’s family home was destroyed by fire. This community was there for her, Ruth says. And now, it’s time to give back somehow to the Hanson family.

The money raised at the benefit will go towards Rick’s chemotherapy and other medical expenses. Rick’s cancer, which started in his colon, has spread to his liver.

“He had a cat-scan yesterday,” Donna said Feb. 23. “We’re waiting to hear the results and hoping for the best.”