Tim Hanna died suddenly of a rare illness called Clarkson’s Disease, on February 18th, 2012 in Victoria, BC. He was born on July 23rd, 1949 in Boston, MA.
Tim was predeceased by his father Herbert in 1996 and mother Edith in 2008. Tim is survived by his wife of 38 years, Sheila (nee Fox), sons, Brady and Kelsey (Erica), grandson, James, expectant grandchild due March 8th, siblings Michael (Amanda), Paul, David, Mary, Phillip, John (Pamela), and Anthony (Becky), as well as many extended family members and friends.
Tim grew up in Massachusetts. His wandering spirit brought him to BC in the early 1970s where he met Sheila. Together they made a life in BC exploring everywhere from the coast to the Rockies. They settled in Gibsons in 1985, where they raised their family and in 1999 moved to Victoria. Sailing with his family was one of Tim’s greatest pleasures. Tim’s first career as a teacher was followed by a longer one with BC Ferries where he earned the respect of his fellow mariners first as a seaman, then as an officer and Ship’s Master. Since retirement, Tim and Sheila explored the Maritimes, finding a second home in PEI where he frolicked on the beaches and tapped his toes to the music. He loved being Poppy to little James and excitedly anticipated the arrival of his second grandchild. Tim was a vibrant advocate for social justice and neighbourhood concerns. He had strong convictions, and was compassionate and gentle. His faith journey brought him to the Catholic Church in recent years, where he found great happiness and comfort. He will be sadly missed by all who knew his loving soul, sincere heart, and vibrant spirit.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Andrews Cathedral, located at Blanshard and View St., on Saturday February 25th, 2012 at 11:00am, with Fr. John Laszczyk officiating. Interment will be at Royal Oak Burial Park following Mass. Reception will be at Sequoia Gardens Memorial, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria (adjacent to cemetery) at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Tim’s name to St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Victoria Hospital Foundation’s Adult Intensive Care Unit, or a social justice cause of your choice.
Condolences for the family may be offered below.
36 Responses
Dear Sheila,
It was always a pleasure to encounter Tim, whether at RCIA (where we initially met), at Mass, or at events like the talk at St. Pat’s a couple of weeks ago. I was pleasantly surprised to see the two of you there, and enjoyed hearing about your grandchild-to-be and your world travels. Tim looked very well, and I was struck, as always, by his air of affable serenity.
Shauna and I are deeply saddened by his sudden passing, and we will keep you and your family in our prayers. May God bless you and bring you peace.
Tim, cousin Sheila and the Hanna family, have a very special place in our hearts since we were made so welcome on our 1st visit to B.C. in Sept. 2010.
We were so looking forward to seeing Tim and Sheila in the UK this year but it was not meant to be.
Though Tim is no longer here in body I am sure that he leaves behind an eternal light that will give some solace to his family and that will brighten the path of those who follow his ideals.
With much Love and Light,
from Eileen and Keith, Northumberland ,UK
Dearest Sheila, Kelsey, Brady, & Erica,
Please know that our hearts, thoughts, & prayers are with you at this incredibly difficult time when Timmy should be enjoying every day with each of you.
We are so very sorry for your loss and pray your many joyous memories will sustain you in the days to come.
xo – Michael & Amanda
The world seems like a different place without Tim, we send our condolences and deepest simpathy. We have so many memories shared with Tim, Sheila, Brady, Kelsey and Erica that he will never be forgotten.
Love from Willie and Margie
We came to know Tim through his volunteer efforts to end poverty in the Victoria community (Faith in Action) and in his efforts to make sense of the injustice that exists in the world (KAIROS Victoria). His questions were thoughtful; his desire to make a difference, sincere. His sudden death is a shock to so many, but this is the sacred path we walk. In his memory, Bill and I will try to live each day with more intention and much, much, more joy.
Sheila- you know how to reach us. Please let us know if there is anything we can do in the days and months ahead to help you and your family adjust to this new reality. We hold you in our hearts and in our prayers.
Dear Sheila, Kelsey, Brady, Erica and James,
Know that you are loved and in our prayers during these difficult days. Take comfort in knowing that your dear Tim is with his Lord.
Psalm 46:1-2
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.
Love you so much, Glen and Jill
Words cannot express how heart broken we are at the loss of our brother Tim. He was a beautiful soul and we will miss him dearly. May you rest in peace with the Lord Tim. Until we meet again, Tony and Becky
May God’s peace and love embrace all of you as you grieve and celebrate Tim’s life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I didn’t know Tim personally, but reading about him, I can see him present in the lives of Kelsey and Brady. Blessings to you all.
Tricia and family
Dear Sheila, Kelsey and Brady
I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and your extended family.
It is hard to put into words the feeling of loss that we have. Tim was a special person who lived life to the fullest. We will always love him and pray for his peace with the Lord. God Bless you Tim, until we meet again may you rest in peace.