Hank was born and raised on a farm in Hafford, Saskatchewan on December 17, 1934 to Stephen and Alexandra Dedish. Hank received his schooling in North Battleford, Saskatchewan and worked as a store clerk at the North Battleford Co-op Association from 1953-1955. On July 18, 1955, Hank joined the RCMP in Saskatoon and trained at Depot Division – Regina “E” troop until May 1956. Hank spent the next 30 years doing his job that he was so proud of. During his career he had eleven transfers throughout British Columbia with a short stay in Tonasket, Washington. After Hank retired from the RCMP in 1985, he was employed by the Aluminum Company of Canada in Kitimat as Regional Security Officer in Western Canada until 1996. Hank received the Medal of Bravery, Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal, LSM (Longtime Service Medal) and Harris Rotary Medal for his services with the RCMP and the community.
In 1958 Hank met Marie Halko and they were married in North Battleford; son Steven was born in 1963 and daughter Petulla was born in 1965. Hank enjoyed being part of his children’s lives by being involved as a coach for minor hockey, minor baseball and slowpitch. Hank was an avid hunter, fastball and softball player, trapshooter, and fisherman, which he was able to enjoy more of after his retirement. Hank was also actively involved in volunteer work with the winter games, Vernon Winter Carnival, child supervision program and patient transport for Interior Health.
Hank is survived by his loving wife of 52 years Marie, daughter Petulla (Andrew Grieve) and grandchildren; Alexandra, Angus and Adam; sisters Pauline (Los Angeles) and Elsie (Prince Albert) and several nieces and nephews. Hank was predeceased by his son Steven 1979, father Stephen 1954, step father Paul 1985, mother Alexandra 1989 and sister Anne 1976.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr Botha, Dr Hardy, Dr Johnson, all the staff at the Vernon and Kelowna Cancer Clinics, staff at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital and the North Okanagan Hospice Society for all their loving care Hank received during his prolonged illness.
Prayers will be held at 7pm on January 14th at the Lady of the Valley Church (10102 Middleton Drive, Coldstream) with a Catholic Mass service on January 15th at 10:30 a.m. Hank will be laid to rest at the Lakeview Memorial Gardens (2850 Dry Valley Rd, Kelowna).
In lieu of flowers those wishing to make memorial contributions in the memory of Hank may do so to the North Okanagan Hospice Society 3506 27th Ave, Vernon, BC V1T 1S4 or the charity of their choice.
Arrangements are in care of the Vernon Funeral Home 250 542 0155
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