Alan John Hanks

It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Alan Hanks, March 26, 2024, at the Humber Heights Retirement Home in his 93rd year. He is survived by his son Christopher and daughter in law Lynn Glaude as well as his granddaughter Emma Hanks. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 62 years, Barbara Hanks and by his daughter Cathy.

Alan was born on December 7th 1930 in Woodford, Essex, England – the only son of Ruby Madeline Smith and Walter Hanks. He was raised in England and served in the Royal Air Force after WWII. Seeking better job opportunities, he moved to Toronto with his best friend, Peter Aylett, in 1957. He met Barbara in 1958 – she had also emigrated from England to Toronto. They were married Dec 20, 1959 in Toronto.

Alan and Barbara purchased a house in Aurora on Sep 4, 1960 – one day before their son was born. They lived in that house for 59 years until they moved to a retirement home.

Alan and Barbara loved to travel and completed many road trips to all parts of the continental USA and many parts of Canada.

Alan was a keen entomologist and philatelist with an interest in butterflies, butterflies on Stamps and South Rhodesia stamps. He was a past president of the Philatelic Society of Greater Southern Africa and Treasurer of the Toronto Entomologists Association for 32 years (1974-2006).

Alan loved golf and after a round of golf (or whenever he wanted) he enjoyed single-malt scotch or Innis & Gunn beer.

Alan was a loving husband, father and grandfather and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Donations in Alan's memory will be gratefully accepted by the family to The Canadian Wildlife Federation.

A visitation for Alan will be held Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, ON L4G6W8. A funeral service will occur Thursday, April 4, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel. A reception will be held following.