FRANK EDWARD WILLIAM HANTON

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FRANK EDWARD WILLIAM HANTON Frank Edward William Hanton, Hon. Col., born August 18, 1920, at Kenora, ON, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2002 after a brief illness. Frank spent his early years in Kenora, and enjoyed playing hockey for the Kenora Thistles. He enlisted in the R.C.A.F. in 1940, and served overseas with distinction during the Second World War. During that time Frank rose to the rank of Squadron Leader and was twice awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, mentioned in dispatches and the American Air Medal. Frank met his bride-to-be, Joyce, while in England, and they were married in 1948 after returning to Canada. They took up residence in Lac du Bonnet, MB where they raised their three children. Frank continued his flying career with the Manitoba Government Air Services until his retirement in 1978. Frank and Joyce moved to Regina, where Frank assumed the Directorship of the Saskatchewan Government Executive and Air Ambulance Services, retiring a second time in 1984. In 1983, Frank was appointed Aide de Camp to the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, serving two terms. In 1988, Frank was made Honorary Colonel of Air Commands Moose Jaw training base. At age 77, Frank had completed approximately 35,000 hours of flying time. Throughout his life he remained active in the Royal Canadian Legion, the Lions Club, coaching minor hockey and baseball, refereeing and umpiring, and volunteering with the disabled and teens. Frank was active in the Canadian Fighter Pilots Association and a member of the Air Force Association of Canada. He was also a member of the Guinea Pig Club, members of whom were the earliest recipients of plasic surgery during the Second World War. Frank was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Lilly Hanton; younger brother Lloyd in 1943, also in the R.C.A.F.; his brother Len in 1999. He is survived by his wife Joyce; sons, Lloyd (Marie) and Craig (Donna) and daughter Tracy (Ken) grandchildren, Jacqueline, Tyler, Terralyn, Timothy and Peiter. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, April 24 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Pauls Cathedral, 1861 McIntyre St., Regina, SK with The Rev. Canon John E. Matheson officiating. Interment in Riverside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charitable organization of choice. Arrangements in care of Speers Funeral Chapel and Crematorium Services, Regina. E-mail condolences to the family may be sent to reception@speersfuneralchapel.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 22, 2002