Russell Arne Hanson died on Friday, December 30th, 2016, after a long illness; he was sixty-six years old. He is survived by his wife, eight brothers and sisters, many nieces and nephews, and a multitude of friends.

Russ lived all his life in Minot, ND, save time he spent in San Antonio, TX, and Denver, CO, where he traveled to play in rock-and-roll bands. Music was the central aspect of Russ's life. He played in many bands over the course of his life, perhaps most notably Fast Magic and GreenMan, in which he played bass and guitar and sang vocals. Late in his life he joined the Heritage Singers, eager to learn a new kind of musical expression. He had a pretty spectacular record collection, and owned several very special guitars. Russ\' music, and his obvious enjoyment of it, gave great pleasure to all those he sang and played with and for.

Russ was also a first-rate photographer and a movie aficionado, both of which lead to professional achievement. Russ was an owner of Video Magic for twelve years, and was an instructor in the Art Department at Minot State University for fifteen years. Art was important to Russ, and he amassed a sizable collection of paintings, prints, photographs, and ceramics.

Russ was a beer lover and no one was happier about the craft beer resurgence than he. He was always on the hunt for the newest and bitterest beers, and loved a good pub. He liked all kinds of good food and drink, was always up for a good party, and was a great raconteur, and dubious honor or not, he was the undisputed king of the shaggy dog story.

Russ was a magnificent friend. He was loyal and generous and loving. If he counted you as a friend, he had your back, no matter what. His generosity knew no bounds: whether it was time or expertise or equipment or company or labor or spirit, he gave it without a second thought.

Russ was a genuinely good person whose life, from beginning to end, exemplified that the love you take is equal to the love you make.

There will be no funeral, but a memorial celebration will be held sometime in the spring and we will honor Russ with music and laughter, food and drink, love and fellowship.