Tuesday, May 4, 2021 at 12:00 a.m.
Hankinson, Lawrence "Larry" Dunn
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Reverend Larry Hankinson on Saturday May 1, 2021 at the age of 97.
It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Reverend Larry Hankinson on Saturday May 1, 2021 at the age of 97.
Dad was born in Bothwell, Ontario on August 25, 1923. He joined the RCAF in 1942 as a Navigator flying in the Lancaster in WWII. He first sensed a calling to the Ministry during his time in the Air Force. After the war, he attended McGill University/Presbyterian College in Montreal where he received his BA, BTH (Bachelor of Theology) and a BD (Bachelor of Divinity). After graduating in 1951, he served the congregation at Gordon Presbyterian church in Burnaby, BC. It was there he met and married Mom, his wife of 61 years, Frances Hall (deceased 2014). They had four children, and with their young family they moved to Lethbridge, AB, where he served the congregation at St. Andrew's Presbyterian church until 1988. His kindness, caring and compassion for people and his community continued with Chaplaincy at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital, leading into directing Pastoral and Palliative Care until he retired in 1993.
As Mom and Dad transitioned into retirement they purchased a home at Sunset Acres in Lethbridge. A scenic acreage, their dream location. They so enjoyed the beauty of the mountains, river valley, coulees, wildlife and birds. Many happy memories were also made at the family summer home at Wilson's Creek on the Sunshine Coast in BC.
During his life, he met many people and touched so many lives, forming relationships that go way back. He was dedicated and committed to service and even continued to preside at funeral services when requested well into his 90s. His life was grounded in his faith, in a love and grace of God seen in Jesus. He was a patient, kind, and generous man with a compassionate, caring, gentle spirit . He always had time to listen or engage in wonderful conversations. His attitude was positive, always looking on the bright side, never complained and would tell you he was happy. Even during these times of Covid he took comfort in claiming the presence of God was a source of comfort and strength and the promise that God would never leave him or forsake him.
Dad's love for others was found in his own sense of God's love, encapsulated in John 3(16):
"For God so loved the world he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
One thing he wanted others to know was God's blessing in these words:
"May the Lord Bless you and keep you and may he make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May he lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace."
Dad, Grandpa & Great-Grandpa will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his children Laurie Scott, Shawn Hankinson, Colleen Hankinson (Grant Odegard), Tanya Hankinson (Blaine Huisman); grandchildren April (Andrew) Labbe, Jeffrey Scott, Nicholas Scott, Kyle Hankinson; great-grandchildren Lorenzo, Orlando, Niomi and Niall. Larry is also survived by his sisters Lois Kearns of Chatham, Ont and Pat (John) Duralia of Windsor, Ont.
A private family remembrance celebration will be held a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one's choice.
Guestbook (13)
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Dear Lauri, Shawn, Colleen, Tanya and Families: Please accept my sincere sympathies on the passing of your Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather. I had the great privilege and good fortune of knowing and working with Rev. Hankinson during the 1960's when he was the Minister at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Lethbridge. It was during this time that I recognized that Rev. Hankinson was a special human being who shared his unique and generous gifts with everyone. It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who declared that the purpose of life is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate and to have it make some difference that we have lived and lived well. Let me state that Rev. Hankinson made a difference in my life. He was a very unique and generous human being. Shakespeare's Hamlet probably said it best: "He was a man, taken for all in all, I shall not meet upon his like again."
Uncle Larry will be missed by all his family, numerous nieces, nephews, surviving Sister-In-Laws - Elsie (Lorne) Hankinson & Grace (Maurice) Hankinson. Fondly remembered for his sensitivity, enjoyment of life, his ability to remain positive even when faced with challenges, his contagious laughter & the list goes on! Loved by all!
Please accept our heartfelt sympathies on the loss of Uncle Larry . You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest In Peace dear one. God Bless. Bill, Rita and Family
A Great Man. He will be missed. Lots of great childhood memories of Uncle Larry and summers at the cottage in Wilson's Creek.
Your dad was such a great man and I am so sorry about your loss. He had a great sense of humor and always seemed so happy and full of life. He will forever be missed very much by all of us who knew him. Sending My condolences to the whole family.
Colleen, my thoughts are with you. I would like extend & give my condolences to the entire family. God rest his soul.
Colleen ,Tanya,shawn and familyMy heartfelt condolences go out to you all. We will surely miss the presence of a truly lovable and kind person,that your father was. Love, Danielle & Doug Clark
Our condolences on the passing of Rev. Hankinson. Memories will sustain us until we meet again on that heavenly shore.
Dear Laurie and family - Our thoughts are with you at this hard time. Your dad was such a good human. He looked after so many Lethbridge families in their times of need, and was beloved in the community. We cherish the special relationship between our families - your dad took care of our family funerals and spiritual care all these years, and we were joined by friendship. God speed to him. And much love to those he leaves behind. May his children and grandchildren continue his legacy of selflessness, kindness and generosity. - Lori and Ted
Reverend Hankinson was a gem ! He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him! My condolences to the family!
My sympathy at the passing of Larry. God bless and strengthen you.
A Kind Spirit left this world, that he so loved to serve. With a warm smile and twinkle in his eye, Rev Hankinson was a blessing to all whose lives he crossed, including my own. Condolences to the Hankinson Family.
Rest In Peace Reverend Hankinson.