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Gary Frederick Hanke

February 9, 2013

Peacefully with his family by his side, on Saturday, February 9th, 2013, Gary Frederick Hanke, of London, in his 67th year.  Beloved husband and best friend of Helen.  Proud father of Andrea (Jason) Thauer, Allison (Bruce) Moszcelt, Jennifer Chestnut and David (Cathy) Ferringo.  Loving “Papa Gary” to Stephen, Stacey, Dawson, Joey, Isabel, Grace, Hildi and Matilda.  Dear son of Fred and Helen Hanke and son-in-law of Jack and Ruth Stevely.  Loved brother of Randy (Marion) and Dennis (Joy), and brother-in-law of Marion McQuaid and John Stevely (Catharine Peichl).  Fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.  Gary had a passion for golf and baseball, played fastball for many years and was a long-standing member of Forest City Community Church.  The memorial service will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, on Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. with visitation one hour prior to the service. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Gary are asked to consider Forest City Community Church.

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I was shocked & saddened to learn of Gary's death when I received the U.W.O. Alumni Gazette yesterday. Gary was a classmate of mine in another life, all through high school many years ago at Oakridge , and I remember him as a really personable, strong, ath;etic and handsome guy with a great outlook on life. We commiserated often in Latin class much to the chagrin of Mr. Derbyshire! There are certain people from the long ago, carefree days of our youth that one remembers kindly, and Gary was certainly one of them. My husband also passed away too young, and I send all of Gary's family my most sincere condolences in your sad loss.

~ Anita Usaty Minov

Dear Mrs. Hanke: My brother just sent me an email regarding Gary's passing, which he noticed in the local paper. You don't know me, but Gary and I were friends back in the very early 80s as I was finishing my last year at UWO. My memories are of a cheerful, athletic guy with a winning smile and powerful arms and chest (we worked out together in the University weight rooms). Gary and I also played some golf and took part in a variety of local athletic events for both competition and charity. I moved to the southern United States by 1983, got married, and started on a long career in industrial offshore commercial diving, so it's been thirty years since I saw Gary, but I remember him fondly and with a smile. My sincere condolences on your husband's passing. He was a great guy.

~ John McKinna

Helen, I was very sad to hear of the passing of your dear husband Gary. I met him a few times at Quai du Vin and I could see the love between you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Sending you a big warm hug.

~ Joan Aarts

Andrea, Allison and Jen - I am so sorry to hear of the news and I send you hugs and love from Montreal and wish you strength during this difficult time. You are sisters to me so I too shall mourn. Yvette

~ Yvette Rambour

Helen & Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Naseema Haniff

~ Naseema Haniff

Jen, I am so sorry to hear about this. My thoughts are with you and your family.

~ Shelley Boss

Dear Helen, I was saddened to hear of Gary's passing. He was a wonderful person with a passion for life. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

~ Janet Knechtel

Dear Randy and Marion - we were so sad to hear of Gary's passing. Please know our thoughts are with you and your entire family. Hugs Cathy and Steve.

~ Steve and Cathy Warren

Helen, my sincerest condolences on the loss of you beloved husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

~ Natalia Silva

Helen, I was so sorry to hear about your husband's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

~ Karin Goods

Jen, So sorry to hear about your dad;s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

~ Rachel Gowing (DeBock)

He will be missed by those who knew him Helen, but those of us who did not personally know Gary, I watched your eyes sparkle when you talked of him. It is apparent that the love between you and Gary was beautiful and real. May he rest in peace! Maybe he can make sure God is a Blue Jays fan!! You have my arms, my shoulders, and my heart to share, all my love Helen! Dolly Bella

~ Dolly M. Byard

I was shocked & saddened to learn of Gary's death when I received the U.W.O. Alumni Gazette yesterday. Gary was a classmate of mine in another life, all through high school many years ago at Oakridge , and I remember him as a really personable, strong, ath;etic and handsome guy with a great outlook on life. We commiserated often in Latin class much to the chagrin of Mr. Derbyshire! There are certain people from the long ago, carefree days of our youth that one remembers kindly, and Gary was certainly one of them. My husband also passed away too young, and I send all of Gary's family my most sincere condolences in your sad loss.

~ Anita Usaty Minov

I am just now coming across this and am sorry to hear of Gary's passing. Gary and I were first cousins (his mother and my mother, Isobel, being sisters). Although the families' move to London distanced us and we lost touch, I have many happy memories of all of us cousins as young children spending time on the beach at Leamington and, particularly, spending each Christmas morning at our Uncle Bill's house. If I recall correctly, Gary's call home came close to the time we lost our cousin Judy, Aunt Netta's daughter, as well. Hopefully these two will have many memories to share in heaven.

~ Sheri Burnett (née Riding)

(Donated to Forest City Community Church)

~ Twyla Atchison

(Donated to Forest City Community Church)

~ COR and NEWOR Regions

(Donated to Forest City Community Church)

~ Adrienne Jaroslawski

(Donated to Forest City Community Church)

~ Dolly M. Byard

(Donated to Forest City Community Church)

~ Marion McQuaid

(Donated to Forest City Community Church)

~ Steve and Cathy Warren

(Donated to Forest City Community Church)

~ Sandy and Nora Wilson

Dear Helen and family, Sincerest condolences to you all. It is our prayer that knowing Gary is no longer suffering and now with Jesus will give you much comfort. May God give you peace and strength to carry on. Sadie and Arnold

~ Sadie and Arnold oldewening

Helen, Emilie and I extend our sympathies to you and your family. So sorry to hear of your loss.

~ Brett Lammie and Emilie Tenney

Helen, so sorry to hear of your loss, we are praying for you and your family at this most difficult time.

~ Peter Dieleman

Dear Helen, I am so sorry to hear that Gary has passed away. I hope you have comfort in knowing what a great wife and source of support you were for him. I also believe, as I know you do, tee time has been set and he is free from pain. My sincerest condolences.

~ Maria Ferrera

Thinking of you Helen at this difficult time and know that many of us are sending you love and prayers.

~ Julie Wilkinson

Helen, Ken and I offer our deepest sympathies to you and your family.

~ Robin and Ken McNaughton

Dear Helen, so sorry to hear of Gary's passing . I know that his illness has been a tremendous worry for you . I hope you find comfort in knowing that his battle is over and he is free from his pain. Sincere sympathy to you and your family..

~ Tracy Hill

Gary was lucky to have so many loves ones around him. He has left angels here to be with angels above and I'm sure he will give them a run for their money on the golf course. Helen, our prayers are with you and your family during this time.

~ Acacio & Darla

Helen and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ Twyla Atchison

Helen, I'm so sorry for your loss. Take strength in knowing the memories you've created with Gary remain and will support you during this very difficult time.

~ Phyllis Falletta

Dearest Helen. Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your best friend and husband. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts.

~ PEggy Grominsky

Dear Helen and family: I am truly sorry to hear that you had to say good-bye to Gary. Let the memories of your love for him, and his love for you, give you comfort in your time of sorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ Rachel Sciommarella

Helen, so sorry for your loss I know how special Gary was although I never had the opportunity to meet him, you sparkled every time you spoke of him. With sympathy, Adrienne

~ Adrienne Jaroslawski

Helen, my deepest condolences to you and your family.

~ Gabriela Patzan

We have admired your strength through Gary's illness and we know that it will carry you through this sad time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ Joanne Heggie, Terry Wilson, Nancy Pereira

Helen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and my heartfelt sympathies are extneded to you during this difficult time. I am truely sorry to hear of your loss.

~ Joseph Balan

Helen, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time of loss. I never had the chance to meet Gary, but I heard you speak of him often. I know you will deeply miss him. Please know I am thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time.

~ Jacqueline Sargeant

Helen, my deepest condolences. May God soothe the sorrow you’re feeling right now. Stay strong and take care.

~ Mary Arghittu Hayward

Helen, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My sympathy to you and your family during this difficult time. Tracey

~ Tracey McDonough

Helen, please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Ryan & Julie

~ Ryan & Julie LaPalm

Helen And Randy, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We know Gary will be back on his field of dreams once again. Steve and Toni

~ Steve and Toni Virag

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