Obituary of Delbert John Hannah
Passed away October 8th, 2023 at 93 years of age.
Del was a devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle, and Friend to many.
The Hannah family came to settle in the Prince Albert, Saskatchewan area in 1908, before Del was born on June 27th, 1930. He grew up in a two-story house that his father built in 1925, at 2102 6th Avenue East, Prince Albert. This was the first home built on 21st Street East. Del went on to make Prince Albert his home, his community and his life. Del was the only boy of the family, with 4 sisters; survived by Margaret “Peggy” (Steve) Peneff of Prince Albert and Patricia “Pat” Ethier of Saskatoon, SK, and is predeceased by Lorraine (Jim) Courtney, predeceased by Maureen (Charles) Downing.
Del attended King George School, going on to continue his education at the Collegiate Institute (PACI).
In 1948, Del began working at Eaton’s Department Store in the grocery department, earning $20.00 per week (a good wage at that time). Del would frequently be seen at the Eaton’s lunch counter during his breaks. Here he first laid his eyes on Elizabeth “Betty” Kristian. It was no wonder why he forgot his lunch as often as he did.
A couple of years later, August 2, 1950, Del was excited to start employment with Sick’s Bohemian Brewery, which transitioned into Molson’s Brewery in 1958. Del enjoyed his work and co-workers, he also contributed as the Union Secretary and Safety Officer for many years. Del was dedicated to his Molson’s family and brewery industry for 40 years.
On April 11, 1957, Del married the love of his life, Betty Kristian. On Del and Betty’s 60th wedding anniversary, the couple received warm congratulations from Queen Elizabeth and Prime Minister Trudeau as well as from the Mayor of Prince Albert and local dignitaries. This past April of 2023, Del and Betty celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary.
Del was a committed and devoted husband. Del and Betty had three children together; he is survived by his daughter, Shelly (Bill Miller); son, Donald Hannah; daughter-in-law, Donna Hannah; predeceased by his son, Delbert “Bert” Hannah.
Del has 10 grandchildren: is survived by, Sherilyn Bilodeau (Tyler Bilodeau), Candace Ne Ville, James Hannah (Angela Floesser), Darryl Hannah, Brady Hannah, Shane Hannah, Shawn Hannah, Regina Fiddler and Lori (Garret) Cherkowski, and was predeceased by his granddaughter Charlene Pyper.
Del has three great-grandchildren: Mila Bilodeau, Keira Bilodeau, and Julian Hannah.
Del had many hobbies and as a young man he excelled in Ten Pin Bowling. He bowled in the Men’s League at the Minto Bowling alley from 1960 thru to 1967, becoming president of the 10-pin league. Del along with his wife Betty, his sister-in-law Violet Habetler, and brothers-in-law Ed Habetler and Jerry Clark also joined the Ten Pin League and bowled as a team together for many years.
Del loved the outdoors. He was passionate about duck hunting with his father Bert, and they often ventured through the outskirts of the city together, looking for just the right spot for duck hunting. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brothers-in-law. Del would often entice his brothers-in-law, Steve Peneff, to join him to fish and on many other outings, at times resulting in all sorts of shenanigans. Del and Steve were not only related but good friends as well.
Del and Betty purchased a beautiful lake front lot at Christopher Lake, SK, where they built their forever family cottage. The Hannahs would spend all their summers creating many memories with family and friends. Summer lake life was full of family, friends, bonfires, cribbage, fish fries, beach badminton, boating, and of course water skiing. Del was well into his 70’s while showing off his one handed skiing acrobats. For Del, the lake was a place of solace, where he found peace and joy, and it was his very favorite place on earth.
Del’s long-time neighbor’s and forever family friends where the Dookhun’s. Dook, Kay, their son Dhipak and their granddaughter Akshaya were like family to Del. No greater neighbors could have been had. Del and Dook are now reunited and I am sure they have much to share.
Del just enjoyed people, always stirring up conversations with anyone he would meet. Del particularly relished kibitzing with his grandchildren. The resounding groans when he got one of them to “pull my finger”, the squeals from the children when he threatened to use the “pinchbug” (holding his two fingers together and making a pinching motion) or his laughter when he taught the so-called game of 52 pick-up. Del truly enjoyed his family and all those around him.
Del will be truly missed by all those that knew him. He has left each of us our own very special memories that will last a lifetime. Del, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Brother, Brother-in-Law, Uncle, Neighbor, and Friend you will never be forgotten and will always remain in our hearts.
Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lorne Adams, Funeral Director, and Shauntay Schwingenschlegel, Prince Albert, SK 306-763-3322
