Mark Steven Hanna ~ 1960 – 2021

It is with broken hearts that we announce Mark Steven Hanna of Medicine Hat passed away on July 22, 2021 at the age of 61 years after a courageous battle with Glioblastoma. Mark was born the middle child to Pat and Ethel, in Lethbridge on January 1, 1960. He was “Little Mister 60”, the first New Years baby in Canada that year! Left to cherish his memory is his mother, Ethel Hanna of Medicine Hat; his brother, Brett “Butch” Hanna of Medicine Hat; three sisters, Brenda (Jamie) Durkin of Redcliff, Terri (Dennis) Mann of Medicine Hat, and Julie (David) Herrmann of Schuler; ten nieces and nephews; nine great nieces and nephews and one on the way; aunts and several cousins; as well as many friends including his close friends, Kelly, Ray and Diane. He was predeceased by his father, Pat Hanna and his niece, Kayleigh. Mark graduated from McCoy High School in 1978 while working at Safeway. In true teacher fashion he trained new recruits at this job. Mark continued to work for Safeway while he earned his Bachelor of Education, with Distinction, in 1985, from the U of L. Mark spent his entire 30 year teaching career at St. Mary’s School where he developed many lasting friendships with colleagues, while serving his students. He was one of the founding members of the Southern Alberta Minor Football Association, instrumental in getting football off the ground in the Junior High School level during the early 1990’s. He was dedicated to coaching; he was often found recruiting and encouraging students to join the team. Mark was able to turn his love of working with his hands into a career as the Shop Teacher. His home reflected his meticulous and beautiful wood work projects. Mark encouraged all children, especially his nieces and nephews, to realize their dreams. He lent his support no matter what their individual interests were, and he was always there to cheer them on. Mark enjoyed travelling. This included a trip to the UK with Mom and Dad, chaperoning Spring Break trips, and going with Butch and friends to Las Vegas. Some of his favorite trips included one of his greatest passions – stock/NASCAR racing. Mark and Dad had a great time at a NASCAR race in Phoenix. He had the experience of a lifetime taking the opportunity to drive a NASCAR. Excitement for fast moving cars was instilled in Mark as a child when Mom would take us kids to watch Dad stock car race in Lethbridge. This love of tinkering and driving was the catalyst for his long membership with the Medicine Hat Stock Car Association. Mark valued the friendships he made at the track and was also instrumental in getting Dad back into driving stock car. The boys often worked all hours of the night and day to prep for the next race day. Racing and competing with Dad, Butch and Dennis were highlights for not only Mark but for the whole family as we cheered them on. Racing, like much of the rest of Mark’s life, was a family affair. Family was one of the most important aspects of Mark’s life. He rarely missed any of our “Walton Clan” events or declined the opportunity to spend time together. Uncle Mark was so generous with his time whether it was chatting with younger ones or older folks alike. He was the first to offer help when there was a task to be done whether it was building a barn with David or renovating a kitchen with Jamie. Mark has been an inspiration to all of us, always subtly teaching lessons. Mark was an exemplary man of faith throughout his life, and this extended into his final journey. In Mark’s own words “no matter what happens, we will all be ok. The funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (238 – 2nd Avenue N.E.) on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. with Fr. Roque Pereira Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Mark with a donation, may do so to St. Mary’s School (for school athletics) c/o 155 11 St SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4S2 or to the Bantam Rangeland football league c/o 200 7 St SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4K1. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Mark Hanna, or you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.

• Date : 2021-07-18
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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