Hank McDermott Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Hank McDermott

December 20, 1946 - September 14, 2016

Obituary For Hank McDermott

Hank McDermott passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side, on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, at the age of 69 years, after a long battle with cancer.

Hank was born on December 20, 1946 in High Prairie, AB. He was raised on the family farm near Banana Belt, went to college in Grouard to be a Forester, drove truck and owned his own trucking company in the 80’s. He then moved into working as a welder and mechanic at Prairie Truck and Trailer in 1993 and worked there until 2008 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and the battle began.

Hank started the “Night Ryder Band” in 1968 and played around the Peace Country for many, many different functions, weddings, fundraisers and rodeos, where he loved to talk about the sea of cowboy hats dancing to his music. Hank also was part of a special group of quading friends that he was with most weekends for many years. He also had a special love and patience for his grandchildren whom he enjoyed to tease and spend time with.

He is survived by his loving wife Marge and his children: Mark McDermott, Kelly (Paula) McDermott, Vonda McDermott and Barry McDermott; step-children: Tiara (Darryl) Huber and Rae-Lyn Rasmussen (Jason Payne); grandchildren: Cody Mineault, Dylan McDermott (Morgan Gaucher), Shelby McDermott (Dallas Fowler) and Alison McDermott (George Bradshaw); step-grandchildren: Lance Huber (Ashlee Cowie), Angie Huber (Darcy Gavine), Joshua Huber, Joel Huber, Colton Sandboe (Sydney Williams), Danyka Sandboe, Cassie Payne, Colby Payne, Keydon Payne, Jaden Payne and Jaylynn Payne; special great grandchild: Chet Dylan MacKenzie Fowler; step great-grandchildren: Fisher Gavine, Gibson Gavine and Finley Gavine; family: David and Barb McDermott, Ardith and Pete McCann, Debbie Spreen and Gene Goertzen, Connie and Ron Senkoe, Harold Henderson, Joan amd Ed Ragan, Donna and Jack Minsky; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Hank was predeceased by his parents George and Gladys McDermott and sister Barbara.

A Celebration of Hank’s life will be held Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 11:00am at Grande Prairie Alliance Church (15502 102 St.).

In Hank’s memory, his family would ask that all your gracious gifts and/or lieu of flowers be made to assist patients of the Cancer Clinic with expenses they are faced with when undergoing treatment.

Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation Re: Cancer Clinic Social Work (10409 98 St. Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 2E8).

Services

20 Sep

Funeral Service

11:00 AM

Grande Prairie Alliance Church , Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

June 24, 2021

Myers Joan

My condolences to Hank's family on his death. Heaven has a new angel for its choir. I remember him as cousin Henry, a handsome young man that I admired as a kid for his musical talent. Gone too soon. Rest in peace, Henry. Wish I could be there for the funeral, but know I am thinking of you all. Joanie Kruger (now Myers)
June 24, 2021

Hodgson Allene/Pete

So sorry for your great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
June 24, 2021

Hujdic Wendy

The Waldroff family would like to send our prayers and thoughts to the family. Fran waldroff. And kids. Wendy Arnie. Randy Cathy Marla. Craig and Kim and family's
June 24, 2021

McLaughlin Catherine

Saddened to read of Hank's death. He brought so much to the Grande Prairie Century Play in 2014. Hank's song Grande Prairie Waltz is a beautiful tribute, part of his legacy. Thank you Marge for accompanying Hank to rehearsals and performances of the play. You both brought so much to the group.
June 24, 2021

Donohue Glenn & Brenda

Marge, sorry to hear about Hank. I know the last time I talked to you the end was approaching. You seemed to have accepted the change that was going to happen to your life with great dignity and strength. Your first and only concern seemed to be sure that Hank was taken care of to ensure his comfort and keep his spirits up for the remainder of time he had. In knowing you, Hank would have received everything he needed and wanted before his passing. Truly sorry to have you lose Hank, and now remember to take care of yourself. Thinking of you, Glenn and Brenda Donohue (Friends)
June 24, 2021

Duperron-Trydal Jen

Hi Marge, We just heard that it was Hank who passed away. Words can't express our regret for you and your family during this time. We are thinking of you with love. Jen, Dean, Skye, and Egypt Trydal
June 24, 2021

Smith Annie

I had the honour of meeting and working with Hank on the GP Century Play project, a community play to celebrate Grande Prairie's 100th Anniversary, held outdoors in Muskoseepi Park in June 2014. Hank wrote the song that closed Act One of "Chasing the Dream", "The Grande Prairie Waltz". He was incredibly generous with his time and made almost every rehearsal and played at every performance. His courage was inspiration to all of us. That's how I see Hank in my mind, standing with the cast, playing his guitar and singing. Thank you Marge and family for sharing your Hank with us. Annie Smith, Artistic Director, "Chasing the Dream: The GP Century Play". "We are the hub of the peace We have the vision of our time; We are chasing the dream of prosperity. With our eyes on the future, Our hearts in the past The next generation Will be stronger than the last. If youâ??re looking for a place That you can call home, Welcome to Grande Prairie."

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