May 4, 1935 - April 6, 2020
John (Hank) Lange passed away on Monday, April 6, 2020 at West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni, BC, surrounded by the love of his family at the age of 84. Predeceased by his sister Jean and brother Jake; survived by his loving wife Yvonne, of 61 years of marriage and sons Curtis (Berta), Mitch (Colleen); grandchildren Derek, Rylie, Casey (Kyle), Shelby and Jenessa; and great granddaughter Nikova, brother Gerold (Shirley); as well as nieces and nephews and other extended family members.
Hank was born May 4th, 1935 in Humboldt SASK. In 1957 he moved to the Alberni Valley in search of employment. During that time he reconnected with an old friend (who was also from Humboldt ) Yvonne Walerius, she became the love of his life and they were married in Jan 1959. In 1972 they adopted a son Curtis, then Mitch was adopted in 1974. While the boys were growing up Hank loved to do many things with his family; there were many days spent at the hockey arena, ball park and soccer fields. Camping and fishing were also a big part of family life. In 1999 Mitch met Colleen who had 2 girls, Casey and Shelby; and Hank became an instant grandfather in which he took great love and pride. In 2002 Mitch and Colleen had Jenessa; Hank was never so over joyed as he was to be her grandfather, and she could do what ever she wanted.
When Hank moved to the Alberni Valley he started working at McKinnon's Dairy, then at the Somass Mill, where he worked for almost 40 years. Throughout those years he made many close friends. Among his closest friends were Jim and Betty Johnson and their 3 girls. Many great times were spent with their family playing cards, home dinners, camping and theyevenwenttoDisneyland together. Over 51 years of friendship Hank and Jim always called each other on every Sunday night or whenever a serious hockey game was on. Among many other special friends was Barry Ward. Hank and Barry enjoyed many weekly coffee nights and special occasions. Also dear to his heart were all his nieces and nephews. Some of the most special times were spent with Kailey and Kurtis who will have many special memories of the kind loving man he truly was. Hank was a hard working man who loved his family and friends with all his heart . Those who knew him would know that he would do, or give, anything for anyone who needed it. He also had a great sense of humour - ask anyone who has gone to shake his hand. (Hang it on the wall)
A Funeral Mass will be held at a later date when the social distancing rules due to COVID-19 are relaxed. Stories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.chapelofmemories.ca
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Family Notre Dame Roman Catholic Church , 4731 Burke Road, Port Alberni BC, V9Y 5P1.