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.