We Remember
HANNA, William “Bill” Robert
April 26, 1937 — February 23, 2021
Bill passed away peacefully at the age of 83, with his family by his side on February 23, 2021.
Inspector Bill Hanna was a loved leader, husband, and father, and is survived by his loving wife Doreen (née Fraser) Hanna; eldest daughter Dawn Hanna (Brent Dorion) and step-grandson Nicolas; middle daughter Kelly Hanna (Ken Moen); and youngest daughter Hilary Hanna (Terry Charles), grandchild Leelan Charles, and step-grandchildren Tanya Forsyth and Kyle Charles, as well as step-great-grandchildren Corbin and Rowan Forsyth and Avery Charles. His memory will be cherished by his siblings: his brother Jim (Maureen) and sister Evie (Norman); brothers-in-law Gazley and Robert; sister-in-law Edie; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by siblings: Betty (Dennis), Ernie (Sylvia), Sadie (Ken), Noleen, Alfred, and Roberta.
Born to Robert & Elizabeth (née Montgomery) Hanna in the village of Ballygawley, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Bill was the eldest of nine children. He served for two years on the Royal Ulster Constabulary before setting sail for Canada. Bill immigrated to Canada, the only one in his immediate family, and arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia on April 10, 1957. After emptying his pockets at the train station, he was told he could travel as far as Edmonton, Alberta; so that is where he settled. In Edmonton, he found work as a mechanic and eventually joined the Edmonton City Police, along with the Police Pipe Band. Bill and his partner Wayne were the first officers in Western Canada to train in the new frontier of Technological Surveillance, an integral part of modern-day crime prevention. Bill was proud to serve and enjoyed a 32-year career with the City of Edmonton Police Force.
Bill was the responding officer to a reported prowler incident, and this is where Bill met Doreen. They married in Ponoka, Alberta in 1961 and raised their three daughters on an acreage just outside of Sherwood Park, AB. On Bill’s days off he could be found working in the garage on one of the family vehicles; repairing just about anything brought to him, from furniture to shoes; or tending chickens, one of the three gardens, or the rest of the 3.5-acre acreage.
Known as a kind and gentle man, devoted father, husband, respected Policeman and Elder, who proudly and steadfastly served his family and community, Bill led with action and taught by example. No matter where you are, you are forever a guiding star. Thank you, Dad, with all our hearts.
The family is grateful for the special care and attention Bill received, from the caregivers and medical staff, during his last three years living at David Lloyd Jones Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to David Lloyd Jones Home, A Gift to Honour Someone www.seniorsservicessociety.ca/donate
The family would like to invite all who want to pay their respects to join the Funeral Service online by Livestream on March 20, 2021 at 10:00 am. A recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter (see below)
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
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David Lloyd Jones Home, A Gift to Honour Someone Link: www.seniorsservicessociety.ca/donate
Condolences
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Insp Hanna. RIP Sir. My condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Our sincerest condolences, strange as it may seem I thought of Bill on approx 23 Feb,2021. He was my absolute favorite and best person that I worked under or with while he was on the job. An absolute wonderful, kind, considerate and brilliant person. I recall our squad gatherings at your place and am still growing the strawberries from the sprouts he gave me in in 1981. God bless you and his family, Doreen, Terrry Sopka Reg # 329
Bill will always be remembered by his smile and the twinkle in those Irish blue eyes.
We are sorry to hear he is not with you anymore, but he was always Proud of his family.
Doreen, hopefully we will see you at the Legion in the not too distant future
Darlene McGinnis and Jim Mc Caffery
On behalf of all the staff at David Lloyd Jones Home please accept our most sincere condolences. We miss Bill’s happy and gentle presence. Every time I look out on the courtyard garden’s I half expect to see Bill happily enjoying the sunshine. One of my favourite memories is the piper you brought out to DLJ to celebrate Bill’s last birthday – the joy on his face was priceless. He will certainly be missed.
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of a wonderful man and gentleman. Our family will remember him with fondness. Until we meet again. Rest in the peace of the Lord.
To Doreen, Dawn ,Rochelle, Hilary, and Bills extended Family, Sometimes it’s hard not to wish for one more day, one more word, one more chance to say goodbye, but you should rest assured that you were a joy to your husband and dad, grandfather every day of your life and he was immensely proud of you all. It was a privilege to have known him and we can see that his goodness lives on through you and your family.
Bill will be dearly missed by all that knew him. Love to you all at this time💕💞
Dianne , Bob & Bruce
Kelly, so sorry to see your Dad passed away. I remember all the times he helped me, way back years ago, when I moved out here to BC, and the time I spent with your parents back then as well. My condolences.
Always remember Bill as a kind and caring man. You will be dearly missed!
Dear Doreen and family, i was saddened to hear of Bill’s transition into his next big adventure. His smile is the first thing that comes to my mind and that twinkle in his eye. Kind and gentle man. And the devotion you and Bill shared with each other is remarkable. love and hugs to you, GWen
Our sincere condolences in Bill’s passing to Doreen, Hilary, Dawn, Kelly, spouses and families. He will be missed and always remembered as a special part of our family . We have many good times over the years to recall, good deeds, one comes to mind: Bill and Doreen co-signed a loan for 1956 Baby Blue Hillman for me when I first left home, I was so proud of my little beater car. Drove it til I moved out of Edmonton and needed to sell car so Bill said that they needed a second car and took over payments. He had to take it for safety inspection and it needed a front bumper. Bill made a trip to the dump and came home with a bed rail and cut it to fit the car and afixed it as a bumper. Doreen and Bill drove the car for a couple more years. A great memory in how caring and inventive he could be and some super good laughs had. Until we meet again Bill.
May GOD secure this family in His hands.
May his soul Rest In Peace.
Your loved Malongo family
On behalf of the Narayan and Gomes family please accept our deepest sympathy.
Our prayers are with you and the entire family.
Our condolences you you Auntie Doreen and family. I always liked going out to your house for supper and then a walk around the neighborhood. I loved when Uncle Bill played the pipes at our wedding and a few other family occasions. He will be missed by all that knew him. You were both great friends with my parents. One of the last Great Irish Police that I looked up to. Rest in peace Uncle Bill.
while I was just a young pup when Bill retired, I wanted to send my condolences to the family. RIP
Sorry for your loss Doreen & family. I worked with Bill at EPS and we were at parties together, found a picture of you folks,
have no address to fwd same.. Cherish his memories and what a great obit to honour him,.
Thank you so much Arlene. You can send the picture to my email address at dawn.hanna.dorion@gmail.com . I will be happy to pass it along to Mom. She will be pleased I know.
Our deepest condolences to family and friends of Bill. I was fortunate to have worked with Bill. He was my Staff/sergeant and. Great friend and outstanding g leader. He will be missed.
I’ll always remember Bill’s wonderful smile, his gentle presence, and his and Doreen’s devotion to each other. Rest, in Peace Bill. Peace and Blessings to Doreen and her family, with much love, Diane
My sincere condolences to the Hanna family. Peace be with you all and with Bill.
I worked with Bill in TSU in the late 70’s. Learned a lot from him about the “tricks of the trade”. Great memories!
Gerry Roden
A beautiful Memorial Service. Sending Condolences to the Hannah Families. Rest peacefully , with the Angel’s Bill. Thank you for your Service, Bro.💙🙏
Both Gilles and I are so honoured to have known and spent time with Bill during his time in Kelowna and at the Centre for Spiritual Living. Bill loved life and music and company. I loved our time with you Doreen and Bill at group dinners and especially his special big Birthday party. He is missed and Doreen you are loved and hugged in our virtual hug 🤗. Love and blessings.
He is my favorite uncle. I have treasured memories of him, most especially when I was a little girl and he accompanied me to an evening dance. and we danced. Loved it!
Our condolences to Doreen, Dawn, Kelly , Hilary, and your extended families. There will always be fond memories with all of you. Sincerely, Aileen, Shane, Tania, Kenadie, Carson, and Heather
Doreen I’m so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
I was able to watch the service today and it was so well done. Very beautiful and everyone did such a great job honoring Bill’s Life. My condolences to the family and I’ll be seeing you soon Doreen ❤️
Our sincere condolences to you Doreen and your extended fami.ly. I worked under Bill’s supervision at times with EPS and always considered him a great guy both personally and professionally. Helen and I enjoyed your and his company at some EPS functions. It was so good to be able to share this on-line celebration. Bill & Helen SURMON EPS Retired…