It is with love and sorrow we announce the passing of Henry. Born ninety-three years ago in Grand Fork, B.C., and raised by his grandparents in and around Edmonton. In 1944 at age 19 Henry joined up to serve in the second world war. After basic training, he volunteered with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion and undertook his parachute training, which included, as he used to say: “risking death jumping out of numerous good airplanes for no good reason”. He was transferred to England and then to Belgium just as the Germans retreated. Thankfully, peace was declared before he ever saw active combat.
Following the war, Henry settled in Vancouver, embarking on a career as a welder where he was an active union member, serving as shop steward in the early 60s. In 1966 he began teaching welding in the BC Vocational School system moving first to Dawson Creek to open the college there and then to Victoria in 1970 to head the welding department when that institution opened. By the time he retired, the school had become part of Camosun College.
After his retirement, Henry continued keeping busy, volunteering as a tax consultant with the Silver Threads for many years. He also volunteered at the Saanich Historical Artifacts Society’s Heritage Acres Park sharing his welding skills in restoring old equipment.
A friend of Bill W., his proudest achievement was his 65 years of sobriety, and his active participation in the recovery community over the past six decades helped hundreds of those in that fellowship. Up until just a week before his death, Henry was going on calls, and as one of the longest holders of continuous sobriety in the Victoria and Vancouver areas, he was an inspiration to all who met him.
Henry now joins his beloved wife of 56 years, Patricia, who predeceased him four years ago. He is survived by his son David Hanson of New Westminster, his son-in-law Brad Verity, his brother Roy Hanson of Edson Alberta, nephew Gary Hanson (Helen) of Enderby BC, nieces Fern Hanson of Edmonton, Alberta and Duana McHugh (Bob) of Saanich, along with many great and great-great-nephews and nieces.
The family wishes to thank Tammy Fowler and the staff of Highgate Lodge in Saanich. A Memorial Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Saturday, December 8th, 2018 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victoria Hospice in Henry’s name.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Henry James Hanson May 30 1925 – November 14 2018..
Décès pour la Ville: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique
