COVID claims life of beloved father, coach and longtime Safeway employee

The following Tuesday the family was asked to come in and see the doctor in person.

“When we got there, they found that Bert had a dangerously low blood oxygen level and we were sent straight to the Emergency Department. He was admitted to the COVID ward at Victoria Hospital, by 10:30 that night Bert was in ICU hooked up to a ventilator,” she said.

Soon after Bert Hannah was diagnosed with COVID and Pneumonia in both lungs. Roughly two weeks later, he was transferred to Royal University Hospital until the time of his death Wednesday night.

“Bert was an active man and did not want to spend the rest of his days in a bed hooked up to a machine. So we as a family made the decision to remove him from support and let him go on his terms,” Donna Hannah wrote.

The final cause of death was pulmonary failure.

“We the Hannah family are deeply saddened by his passing but are so proud of the Son, Husband, Father, Friend and Mentor that he was. WE WILL MISS HIM ALWAYS,” she wrote.

Brady Hannah posted an emotional tribute to his father on Facebook. He wrote he will forever not understand why things like this happen to people who are as loving and caring “as you.”

“For the past 50 days I’ve been waiting to get a call from you, like we normally talk every day or two, saying that you are alright,” he wrote. “You have taught me everything I know and I appreciate and cherish everything you have done for us in this life.”

A photo taken of younger Brady with his dad. (Submitted photo/ Brady Hannah)

Hannah goes on his post to describe how much he will miss the “amazing times” the family shared at the lake (Clearsand Beach, Christopher Lake), as well as the support from his father when it came to buying cars and fixing them, “even though some were a really bad idea.”

“I promise we will build a cabin for you like you always wanted,” he wrote.

A dedicated employee

Hannah worked at the Prince Albert Safeway store for 41 years, and at the time of his passing was the assistant store manager. Store owner Wes Erlendson told paNOW Hannah was a knowledgeable, active, and caring guy for his family, his co-workers and the community as a whole.

“It would be impossible for anyone to fill his shoes,” Erlendson said. “He will be greatly, greatly missed.”

paNOW also received a statement from Safeway’s parent company, Sobey’s, who said they were deeply saddened to learn of Hannah’s death.

“We offer our deepest condolences to our teammate’s loved ones and to our store team as they navigate this difficult time. This pandemic is challenging for everyone and we share our deepest sympathies with all those impacted by this terrible virus,” the statement said.

One of Hannah’s passions at work was helping lead the constuction of the incredible pop can displays on Remembrance Day. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

A photo of Hannah with the Safeway 4897 – Compliments Bowling Team. (Facebook)

In addition to his time at the store, Hannah loved bowling and as far back as his childhood years was at Minto Bowl working on his game. In his later years, in addition to bowling three to four times a week, Hannah also took over the role of coach and mentor. Minto Owner Derek Hlewka said Hannah loved to work with the kids..

“If one of them ever made it to provincials or something like that, he was the happiest man ever,” he said. “He was just a nice guy to be around.”

Hlewka, who had prayed his longtime friend would pull though, fought back tears when describing hearing news Wednesday of Hannah’s passing.

“It was disastrous …it’s just terrible,” he said.

Hannah coached both provincial and national teams during his time at the bowling alley. (Facebook)

Aleyna Bird, was among Hannah’s protégés and under Hannah’s tutelage, went to provincials as well as the the Saskatchewan Winter Games. Bird met Hannah when she was 10, having gone to the bowling alley on the suggestion of her foster parents. Hannah was watching all the players from afar, but after noticing Bird was having trouble, came over and showed her how to stand and roll the ball properly.

“I wouldn’t have gotten to [the competitions] if he did not teach me how to do it properly. I would not have stayed for five years if it had not been for him,” she said.

Aleyna, who is now 21, said she was saddened when she heard the news of Hannah’s passing and to this day credits him for having a big impact on her life.

“Even not just as a bowling coach.I was able to talk to him about stuff too going on in my life. He understood me a lot,” she said.

Hannah influenced many players drig his time as a coach. (Facebook)

Yvonne Marie Daniels is a longtime member of the bowling alley and had the opportunity to play with Hannah on a number of occasions, albeit on opposing teams. Daniels said she will miss Hannah’s passion for the sport, adding he was never about winning, but rather cared more about coaching and helping others improve their games.

“Always had a smile on his face, never had an unkind word to say about anybody, and was always willing to give that high five,” she said.

Funeral plans for Hannah have not yet been finalized. Donna Hannah said the family hopes to have some of gathering at the lake this summer, if COVID restrictions are lifted.

nigel.maxwell@pbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell

by Nigel Maxwell

COVID claims life of beloved father, coach and longtime Safeway employee

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