Edward Roderick Hannigan

Edward Roderick Hannigan was born into a n Irish Catholic family in Crosby, North Dakota on March 26th, 1923. He died on May 15th, 2013 after a long and valiant battle with prostate cancer .Edward was raised on a farm with ten other siblings in North Dakota. His mother was a school teacher and his father raised wheat, turkeys and horses. Edward was very athletic, he helped with the farm, the horses and played on the basketball team at his school. He served in the Conservation Corp one summer in high school. Edward was off to war as he turned eighteen. He served in Europe for four years in the army air corp. He flew over 500 combat missions as an aerial photographer. He was stationed in Italy for much of his service and remembers visiting the Vatican and seeing the Pope. Edward survived his service in World War II, after being shot down in enemy territory. He went back to complete his service and was honorably discharged with several medals at the end of the war. Edward attended and graduated from Portland University after the war. His degree was in business and philosophy. He married Ruth Lovell Taylor after college and they were wed in St. Stephens Church here in Portland. He had a career in management and sales for many years and was transferred to California after the birth of his son Steven .He is survived by his four children Kathleen Hannigan-Mcnamara, Teresa Walden, Steven Hannigan and Darla Paulsen. He has eight grandchildren. Mark and Daniel Mcnamara, Brendan Walden, Claire and Colleen Hannigan and Devyn, Taylor and Jake Paulsen. He spent his Last years at Courtyard at Mt Tabor and received love and support from all of the staff. His cancer care was provided by the expert staff at the Portland Veterans Hospital. His fun loving spirit and courageous heart will be missed."",