James Richard Hanna
September 12th, 1933 – April 19th, 2023
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, April 19th, resting in his easy chair where he had spent so many hours studying, relaxing and napping over the past few years, Dad slipped into the presence of his Saviour.
Dad leaves behind his beloved wife of 69 years, Dorothy, children Richard (Rose), Marian (Cameron), Derek (Judi) James (Sheila) Gerry (Dara-Lea), Leanne (Mark), 25 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren, as well as brothers and sisters Glen (Mae), Lillian, Melvin (Julie), and Doreen. Dad was predeceased by both his father, mother, and stepmother, as well as his sister Daisy.
Dad was born in 1933 in a farmhouse at Glen Ewen Saskatchewan to Joe and Marian Hanna. He was educated in a one room schoolroom up until grade 10, when he had to leave school to help his dad on the farm.
On January 11, when he was 11 years old an evangelist named Sam Hamilton was preaching the Gospel and dad was saved. His visit was especially appreciated as few preachers ventured into the frigid prairies at that time of year. In mid-teens he was baptized and received into fellowship of the assembly meeting in the Glen Ewen Gospel Hall. For the last 63 years Dad has been associated with the First Avenue and River Road Gospel Halls in Portage.
In 1948, after Glen Ewen conference Dad wrote in his diary “I fell for Dorothy Muir today”. This was the beginning of what turned out to be an almost 75-year love story. They officially began dating in 1950, and were married in 1953. At the beginning of their marriage Dad farmed, first with his dad and then later on his own. The first three children were born in Saskatchewan. In 1960, due to the need to be closer to a school for Richard, Mom and Dad decided to make a major career change, and they relocated their family to Portage La Prairie where Dad had gained employment with the newly opened Campbell’s Soup plant. The remainder of the family was born in Portage. Dad remained with Campbells for 31 years until the facility closed, and then semi-retired.
In retirement Dad was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing his sister Daisy where she served as a missionary in Zambia, and following that visit Dad and Mom moved to Zambia where they spent five years with Dad teaching Religious Education as well as assisting the mission work. Dad stated that God was good, as a boy he wanted to be a school teacher, but life circumstances prevented it. In retirement he was able to fulfill his boyhood dream of being a teacher in Africa. Following a return to Canada for Mom’s health Dad made a couple of trips to the Ukraine to assist with the mission work there. He also acted as a Chaplain at the Winnipeg AirPort for 10 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at the River Road Gospel Hall, 350 River Road, Portage la Prairie, MB on Friday, May 5th, at 1:30 PM. Viewing will precede the service from 12:30 to 1:30. There will be refreshments following the service. Interment will be at the Meridian Cemetery in Glen Ewen SK on Saturday, May 6th, at 2:00 PM MB time, 1:00 PM SK time. There will be refreshments following the gravesite service.
To leave messages of condolence, please visit www.ronaldmoffitmemorialservices.com
Ronald Moffit Memorial Services of Portage la Prairie, MB in care of arrangements.