CWO JOHN CHARLES (CHUCK) HANNEM (RET'D)

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CWO JOHN CHARLES (CHUCK) HANNEM (RET'D) Sadly we announce the passing of our beloved Chuck at home Friday, November 16, 2007. His memory will be forever cherished by his loving wife Betty, daughter Linda of Calgary, sons Raymond Randell of Vancouver and Richard Randell (Kirsty) of Winnipeg, his special sister Jacqueline of Wilmington, Delaware, his loving Cape Breton family, step-father, Thomas Thornhill, sisters Elaine Johnstone (Lloyd), Sharon Barnes (Tony), and brother Tom Thornhill (Margo). Grandpa will be sadly missed by his beautiful grandchildren, Kelsey, Gabrielle, Taryn and Aidan and his dear mother-in-law Margaret Harris. He was predeceased by his cherished mother, Bertha Thornhill, father John Hannem and infant brother and sister, Murray and Linda. Chuck was born December 2, 1943 in North Sydney, NS and although he left the island at a young age, eventually settling in Winnipeg with Betty, he always held Cape Breton dear to his heart. He was 17 years old when he joined the Army and recently retired after 45 years of combined service with the Regular Force, Reserves, and Prairie Region Cadets. Chuck always considered it an honour and privilege to have served his country as a member of the Canadian Forces and had the utmost respect for all those he served with. His career took him to many parts of Canada, serving in Gagetown, Shilo, Borden, Wainwright, Calgary, Trenton and Winnipeg with postings in Germany and Cyprus. One of his proudest achievements was being appointed as a Member of the Order of Military Merit by the Governor-General of Canada at a ceremony in Rideau Hall, Ottawa, in November 1991. Always supporting and caring for each other, Chuck and Betty have shared 24 years of total love and devotion. They have been blessed with wonderful family, including their two furry friends, Whitey and Junior who will miss Chuck dearly. Their travels took them to Cape Breton often and they spent summer vacations at Clear Lake. Maui was their special winter getaway spot, vacationing many times on the shores of Kihei. Their trip to Great Britain last year was the highlight of their life together meeting English cousins for the first time and touring the beautiful countryside. Chuck was an avid golfer and he and Betty were members at Lorette Golf Club for many years, enjoying weekly games with dear friends, Smokey and Georgie. The rec room pool table was a favourite spot for evenings spent with Dennis and Marie and Chuck displayed his considerable prowess with the cue while Dennis usually met the challenge. The family wishes to thank the cardiac surgical team and nurses on the cardiac ward at the St. Boniface Hospital for their professional care and concern during Chuck's recent recovery from surgery. Also our deepest gratitude to family, friends and neighbours, especially Matilda whose hugs were such a huge support on Friday morning. Special thanks to Tim and Susanne for all their help and encouragement to Chuck during his illness, and our appreciation to Tom and Yvonne, Denis and Louise and the Cadet family who have rallied round us. He loved you all. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chuck's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements entrusted to: Chapel Lawn Funeral Home 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 20, 2007