Hannah, John Douglas

The family of John Hannah regretfully announces his passing at home on Monday, January 4, 2021 after a lengthy period of declining health; he was 77 years of age. He was the beloved husband and musical partner of his wife, Marion Harvey Hannah and constant loving father of his daughter, Amy (Kevin).  He was a dear brother of Don (Doug) with whom he shared a love of music and literature.  A special brother-in-law to Mary Lou (Colin) and uncle to nephews Robert and Andrew. John was predeceased by his parents, Douglas and Marion (nee Gillard) Hannah, brother Scott (Susan), and leaves behind many cousins.  John was raised in Shediac, New Brunswick and pursued studies in piano performance at Acadia University and Boston University.  Upon completion of his studies, he taught piano privately in Saint John, New Brunswick where he was very well known in the community and he also assumed the position of organist at St. John’s (Stone) Church.  Following this period, he held part-time teaching positions at Mount Allison and Acadia Universities.  In 1973, John moved to Sudbury where he became the Head of Piano Studies at Cambrian College until he retired in 2001. He was the organist and choir director at the Church of the Epiphany for close to twenty years. Through his countless performances and associations with other musicians, John touched the lives of many with his skill and artistry on the piano and organ. Those who knew and worked with John found him to be an easy-going, practical man, dependable and generous, helpful to everyone.  He was dedicated to his art and enjoyed a deep artistic life.  He will be greatly missed by close friends and members of the community.  His family wishes to acknowledge the many acts of kindness from friends over the course of his illness, the support of the nursing and personal care workers from the North East LHIN, and the care from the team of Dr. Christine Pun.  In lieu of flowers, donations to Cambrian College Music Program - John Hannah Memorial Fund (www.cambriancollege.ca/givetoday) would be appreciated to continue his work of supporting young musical talent in the Sudbury area.  A Memorial Service will be held at a later time for John at the Church of the Epiphany when provincial restrictions allow.

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13 Condolences

  1. We met John as students at Acadia back in the 60’s and became friends.
    After graduation, and except for a wonderful year in the early 70’s when
    John worked at Acadia and Mount Allison and we saw one another
    regularly, we lived far apart but manged to maintain our friendship even
    though we rarely saw one another.

    John was a great person to be with. He saw the humour in everything and
    had the ability to make others do so as well. At the same time he was
    serious about his art and was always anxious to discuss matters related
    to it.

    John was one of our dearest friends, and we will cherish our memories of
    him always. Our deepest condolences to Marion and the family.
    Love, Owen and Jannie

    By: Owen and Janice Stephens
    January 22, 2021
  2. Dear Marion:
    I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of John. May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the lonely days ahead. Tears can heal, memories can comfort and love lives on forever.
    Blessings to you and Amy.

    Maureen Masecar

    By: Maureen Masecar
    January 14, 2021
  3. Dear Marion
    I was deeply saddened to learn of John’s passing. He was such a dedicated professor and “gentle soul”. I still remember with fondness meeting him in the college parking lot each morning as I was coming to work and he was taking his faithful dog for a walk. Know that John leaves quite a legacy for all the students he taught and the contributions he made to Cambrian’s music program.
    Wishing you and your family much comfort and peace during this difficult time.

    Sonia

    By: Sonia Del Missier
    January 14, 2021
  4. Marion,
    John was an incredible gift to the world of music and incredible gift to the world in general. Having had the privilege to not only know him but also to have been taught by him made an incredibly positive impact on my life, and knowing the two of you together was a wonderful gift unto itself.

    I know that the words don’t exist to bring you the comfort that I wish they could, but please know that I’m thinking about you & Amy and sending warm and healing thoughts.

    With much love,
    Courtney

    By: Courtney Tessier
    January 12, 2021
  5. Marion, so very sorry for your loss. I remember John fondly from our community German class years ago after we both had retired. It was another interest he wished to pursue for a while. He was fun and considerate. I feel fortunate to have made his acquaintance during that time.
    All the best to you and your daughter.
    Joan Chivot

    By: Joan Chivot
    January 12, 2021
  6. Dear Marion
    Both Theresa and I would like to add our heartfelt feelings of sorrow on your recent loss of your soulmate and loving partner. So nice to see you both at last Bel Canto concert Marion with John.
    Will always remember him for his greetings and soft spoken nature. Take care and stay well.
    Our prayers are with you and Amy and families. God Bless You.

    By: John Lefebvre
    January 11, 2021
  7. So sorry to hear of John’s passing. We were music students together at Acadia. I have many happy memories of the fun we all had together. John was involved in his share of our shenanigans, yet such a serious and talented student. I will remember him fondly.
    Marilyn

    By: Marilyn Webb
    January 11, 2021
  8. Dear Marion,
    My deepest condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss.

    By: Miriam Fulton Bartley
    January 9, 2021
  9. Marion and Amy, our deepest condolences. John was a remarkable man, who’s spirit and legacy lives on brightly in his family and friends, but also in the many students he cared for, helped mould, and shared his passion with. It is a special kind of person that chooses to unreservedly share their gifts and talents with others. Please take good care.
    Very sincerely and with much love,
    Brad and Sandra (Yorke) Stoodley

    By: Brad Stoodley
    January 9, 2021
  10. Marion so sorry to hear about John.. our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have many happy memories from our Harvey reunion in Fairmont. We often look at the pictures. Thinking of you and your family. Sincerely Gayleen and Alvin

    By: Alvin Gayleen HIEBERT
    January 8, 2021
  11. Marion, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. I have many wonderful memories of the time we shared in youth group and at Moncton High School.
    My love and prayers in Christ
    Alex Henderson

    By: Alex Henderson
    January 7, 2021
  12. In memory of John we will be raising a glass and watching and listening to Andràs Schiff’s Bach recital this evening from Wigmore Hall.
    Our sympathies to all his loved ones, and bless you, Marion, for your loving care and commitment.
    May his beautiful soul rest in peace.

    By: Gary Akenhead
    January 7, 2021
  13. Marion, my deepest condolences to you and your family on John’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

    Linda

    By: Linda Renaud
    January 7, 2021

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