December 26, 1917 – April 14, 2010
Hermann died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his family on April 14 at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital in Victoria, BC. Born in Danzig, Germany, Hermann was the last survivor of 16 children. Hermann was predeceased by his son, Gerhard Hansen, in 1998. He leaves behind his loving wife and soul mate of 57 years, Ellen, son Herbert (Magdalena) Hansen of Coquitlam, BC, daughter Irma (Willi) Mars of Victoria, BC, grandchildren, Leza (Don) Muir, Andrew (Sharon) Hansen, Linda (Jody) Becker, Sandra (John) Jones, Diane (John) Pennington, Ramona (Mark) Peaty, Renee (Dan) Giesbrecht and Ingrid (Bohdan) Jarisz, great-grandchildren, Tara, Heidi, Deborah, Christopher, Karina, Alex, Jeffrey, Steven, Tasha, Hailey, Tristan, Rachel, Nicholas, Daniel and Keagon and great-grandchildren Raven and Logan. Our “Opi” met Ellen, a widower with 3 young children, shortly after WWII in Jubek, a small town in Northern Germany and were married on October 6, 1952. Their commitment to their family took them to Canada to seek a better life and they arrived in Vancouver in 1957. After working hard and at many jobs for over 25 years, Hermann retired from MacMillan Bloedel Lumber Mill in 1983 and left behind many great friends and coworkers to enjoy retirement and be closer to his extended family in Victoria. They both enjoyed many happy years in their loving condo at Denby Place on Cormorant Street where some of his favourite times were spent celebrating with family, making the best Murchie’s coffee ever, listening to his favourite German music and enjoying Dutch Bakery treats. “Opi” was kind, gentle and was known for his incredible smile and patience and the goodness in his heart will continue to shine through the 5 generations of family he leaves behind. Vaya Con Dios My Darling! The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you for the quality care and compassion shown over the past 4 years by all of the staff and caregivers at Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital. A celebration of Hermann’s (Opi’s) life will be held at McCall’s Sequoia Memorial Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Friday, April 23, 2010 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Mt. St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation, 861 Fairfield Road, Victoria, BC V8V 5A9.
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Rhonda Clarkson
I am so sorry to hear that Opi has passed away. I have wonderful memories of times spent with Opi when I was growing up. I will never forget the trip to Vancouver as a teenager and staying at his home. I was really scared in the big city and he made me feel safe. Diane and I thought we were really grown up then!
The memories of Opi will last forever in my heart.
Thinking of all the family at this difficult time,
Sincerely,
Rhonda