It is with profound love and cherished memories that we announce the passing of Roger John Hannaford on 16th February 2025, at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. Surrounded by family, Roger passed away peacefully, facing his health challenges with strength and grace.
Born on 17th February 1944 in London, England, Roger was the cherished son of the late Kenneth and Eva Hannaford. His early years on a Shropshire farm during wartime sparked a lifelong passion for farming. He later studied at Seale Hayne Agriculture College in Devon, where he gained the skills that shaped his career.
In 1968, Roger emigrated to Canada, where he met his wife Shirley at a singles dance in Vancouver. They built a life in Abbotsford before retiring to Victoria. Roger’s long career with the Canadian Federal Government culminated in his retirement in 2004.
A valued member of the United Church, Roger’s faith and community spirit inspired all who knew him. He cherished relationships with friends and family, both near and far, and will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, and humour.
Roger faced the challenges of inclusion body myositis with courage, never letting it diminish his love of gardening or his commitment to others. Even in his final year at Mount St. Mary Hospital, he shared his wisdom and spirit with those around him.
Roger is survived by his wife of almost 53 years, Shirley; daughters Sarah (Michael), Andrea (Alex), and Glynis (Kyle); and grandchildren Sophie, Gavin, Isla, Benjamin, Josephine, Elisabeth, Alice, and Susan.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and care aides at Royal Jubilee Hospital and Mount St. Mary Hospital for their compassionate care and support.
A celebration of life will be held at Broadview United Church, 3703 St Aidans Street, Victoria, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 am, and will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations to a local animal shelter are appreciated.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Anne Henegevld
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Lorea Chilton My deepest sympathy goes out to Shirley and daughters, Sarah, Andrea,& Glynis their husbands and all grandchildren. Roger and Shirley were always so kind, caring and inclusive when I arrived to give nursing foot care to Roger at home.
Roger and Shirley love their family so much, and were choosing to live life to the fullest. Roger was an amazing example of strength and courage, as he brought so much life and Joy and humor to the lives of others. Roger was true gentleman, and he always showed concern about my life and my family, even though he must have been suffering with his illness. I wish for Shirley and your family, so much comfort and wonderful memories to last forever, of beloved Roger.
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Diane Gaskin Roger and Shirley opened their arms to my family when I first met the McGregors. Roger shared his kindness and warmth with my daughter Isabel as if she was one of his own grandchildren. Roger’s memory lives on in the lives he touched.
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Valerie (Poplar Dental) May the many years of happy memories help you all through this most difficult time.
Roger’s happiness when speaking of his family showed his love for you all.
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Christopher burkert My cousin Roger was a joy to be around and we shared a few silly jokes that only we understood being from the UK he was loved by all those people who knew him. We are so glad that myself and my son Chris managed to see him and his wife Shirley and the girls when we visited in 2023. I’m hoping he gets to meet his cousin Michael who passed in 1981 they spent a lot of time together as children being the same age. All our love to Shirley and family from all of us in the UK.
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Cynthia Golby Roger was a friendly, inclusive man who always said Hi to me when visiting the neighbourhood on Howroyd
Shirley was a wonderful woman
Roger will be missed by many
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Virginia Landucci Shirley and family. Roger was one of my most favourite church members when I worked in the church office at St. Aidan’s. He and Ray Evans as the head of the Personnel Committe were a source of kindness and caring when I needed their support. Roger was was always considered one of the nicest sweetest easygoing men in our church. He made everyone feel special and he will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace knowing how much he was loved.
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Cyndi McKnight Roger was such a kind and gentle soul. I had the pleasure of getting to know him and Shirley through their lovely daughter, Andrea. I’ll always remember his and Shirley’s hospitality to me when I visited. Rest in peace, Roger.
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Deb Schmidt Roger was a kind and wonderful man. I will miss sharing dad jokes with him on Facebook!
Rest in Peace, Roger.
Sending love and condolences to Shirley, Sarah, Andrea, Glynis and all of the family.
Love Deb, Bronson and Matilda Schmidt
Our sincere condolences for and to you all. It is a sad time and he will be missed by all of us .So many memories to remember him by .Such a gentle soul.
Hugs
Anne Hengeveld-Brown – Henk Hengeveld