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.