ROBERT WILLIAM HANNER

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ROBERT WILLIAM (BOBBY) HANNER February 1, 1946 January 17, 2017 It is with profound sadness, that we announce the passing of our brother Bobby on January 17, 2017 at his residence, Golden West Centennial Lodge, two weeks shy of his 71st birthday. The third of five siblings, Robert was a son, brother, uncle and friend. He was predeceased by father George (1950); much loved mother Elisabeth (1991); grandparents, "Uncle Joe" Koterba and brother-in-law Dennis Zelt. Left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Margaret (Rudy) Gaugel, Trudy (Gordon) Sachvie, Linda Hanner-Zelt and Steve (Pat) Hanner; niece and nephews, Karl (Ros) Gaugel, Derrick (Kari) Sachvie, AnnaLisa (Erik) Pettyjohn, Dave (Sheila) Sachvie and Steve (Jen) Gaugel; great-nieces and nephews, Emma, Stephanie, David, Laura, Madison, Matthew, Lizzie, Julia, Charlie, Mark and Brigita. Bobby grew up and lived on Logan Avenue for 45 years, where he was raised and cared for by his devoted mother, his siblings, grandparents and uncle Joe. After his mother's passing in 1991, he moved in with sister Trudy and Gordon (Derrick and Dave) and they became his primary caregivers for the next 17 years. In January 2009, Robert became a resident at Golden West Centennial Lodge Personal Care Facility, where the 3rd floor staff became his second family, caring for all his needs. Throughout all the joys and sorrows, we always felt that Bobby was a special gift and blessing to our family. Robert was born mentally challenged and attended Kinsmen School, ARC Industries and finally Versatech. In 2006 he received an engraved plaque recognizing 45 years of service. Robert "retired" in 2007 due to declining mobility. Throughout his many years at ARC and Versatech he was guided, cared for and supported by a special lady, Ann Carney, whom Bobby was very fond of and we thank her. Robert was non-verbal, but expressed his love, faith and awesome wit through actions; he would persist when questioning "why?" or relating details of an event or story until you "got it!!" He participated in many activities at GWCL including music program, bowling, birthday and Christmas parties, field trips and attended Chapel regularly. He was recognised by many as "the jokster" of Golden West. Robert was a happy, loveable and loving soul. He loved people, music and dancing (he was the life of the party at many gatherings and celebrations), animals (particularly cows, monkeys, dogs and the occasional cat), fishing, KFC chicken and especially family birthday parties and Christmas seasons; most especially Christmas Eves when all the family was gathered and where Bobby would eat his share of herring, sing Christmas carols and anxiously await the arrival of Santa and the distribution and opening of gifts. He had a special fondness for and relationship with all his nephews and nieces and they always encouraged and participated in all his playful antics! The family would like to acknowledge and thank the Sachvie/Serfas families, the Kusano families and the Smullens for including Bobby throughout the years in their family gatherings and activities, whether at the farm, the lake or at home; Jerry Devuono (Margaret) for his regular, entertaining visits with Bobby and for being a loyal friend; Pastor Lee for visiting Robert on a regular basis and sharing the Lords Supper with him; the entire staff at Golden West for accepting and befriending Robert and caring and sharing with him, especially Wendy Southall, RN 3rd floor Resident Care Coordinator and all the 3rd floor care aide angels for their compassion, love and friendship throughout the past 8 years; Dan, Scott and Barry for taking time out of their busy work schedules to joke with Robert and making him feel as one of the maintenance crew; and to our many friends and church families for your prayers and support. As a baptised and redeemed child of God, Robert is now at home with his heavenly father and reunited with his loved ones. Robert gave unconditional love to his family throughout his life and he will be forever remembered and loved. Go now in peace our dear brother. A memorial service for Robert will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 400 Rouge Rd., with Pastor Carol Janke presiding. All are invited to attend a time of fellowship and refreshments following the service. In memory of Robert, donations can be made to Golden West Centennial Lodge, 811 School Rd. R2Y 0S8, or a charity of your choice. Flowers gratefully declined. "See you family, my life has passed. I loved you all to the very last. Weep not for me, but courage take. Love each other, for my sake. For those you love don't go away. They walk beside you every day." NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 19, 2017