Andy Hanna

It is with tears in our eyes that we announce the passing of Andy Hanna. However, our hearts are filled with gratitude that we were able to spend his final days with him, reminiscing about a life well lived and loved. Andy was born in Toronto to Pam and Jack Hanna. The eldest son who was joined a few years later by his brother Ian. Andy grew up in York Mills keeping his mother on her toes. Spending summers at the cottage at Lake of Bays and living his very best life at Camp Kawabi. It is there that Andy developed a strong love for nature and the outdoors.

Upon graduating Grade 13, he attended the University of Waterloo where he received both an Undergraduate degree and Masters degree in Geography. He was very good at folding maps. It was there that he met the love of his life, Mary. After a few years they moved west and welcomed their first perfect daughter, Katriona, who will always be Katie to her dad. Less than two years later they had their second even more perfect daughter, Maggie who will never be Margaret to anyone.

Andy worked very hard as a Community Planner all over Saskatchewan, with his business partner Rob, good friend Arnie, and coworkers at Crosby Hanna and Associates. Andy was one of the first private planning consultants in the province and he worked on major projects including at Wanuskewin Heritage Park, with the Town of Battleford, and several communities in the north. After a long and rewarding career, Andy retired in 2005 and moved himself up north. 

In 1991, Andy and Mary purchased their own little piece of heaven at Weyakwin Lake. Spending every weekend and summers at the lake was a dream come true for them. Days were spent fishing or at the beach, tanning his knuckles, snowmobiling and skiing. Evenings listening to CBC North including Saturday nights listening and singing very poorly to Finkleman's 45s. Upon retiring, Andy renovated the cabin to become a home where he and Mary lived for over a decade.

Deciding to eventually thaw out and spend time around people, Andy and Mary moved back to Saskatoon. Not long after returning to civilization, they found a third property down in California. They spent their winters down south, golfing and enjoying life while spending summers in Saskatoon and at the lake.

In 2007 they welcomed their first Grandson, James and in subsequent years, grandchildren Robbie, Penny, Jack and Sam came along. Andy enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, teaching them to fish, how to drive a boat and various other bouts of Grampa Wisdom. He found joy and light in their laughter and silliness while they would groan and roll their eyes at his "grampa jokes". They were his pride and joy.

At his request, we will not be having a funeral. A celebration of life may be held at a later date.

Andy is survived by his wife of 51 years, Mary, his two daughters Katie (Dave) and Maggie (Bob), his five grandchildren James, Robbie, Penny, Jack and Sam, his Brother Ian (Marit), sisters in law Barb (John) and Jill (Al), brother in law Jim (Jenny) and various nieces and nephews. Andy follows in the footsteps of his parents Pam and Jack, in laws Marnie and Jack and nephew Andrew. Please know he is most definitely happy to be reunited with his Black Lab, Ace.

The family would like to say a special thank you to their close friends and family who have supported them over the past few months. A special thank you to the following for aiding his family through an incredibly challenging time: Debra Ferguson, Tim Hansen, Melanie McCrae, Dr Dueck from the Cancer Agency as well as Emily and Robin from the Cancer Clinic for their incredible support and help in ensuring we were all cared for.

In lieu of flowers, at Andy's request, a donation can be made to the Meewasin Valley Authority

"Time waits for no one, and it won't wait for me." - Time Waits for No One, The Rolling Stones

"But, of course, it isn't really Good-bye, because the Forest will always be there... and anybody who is Friendly with Bears can find it." A.A.Milne