It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Rod Hannah of Didsbury, AB on January 21, 2021 at the age of 65. Rod was born in Three Hills and enjoyed his early childhood years in the Acme/Beiseker area. In 1962, the family moved east of Didsbury to the Lone Pine area. Rod attended primary school first at Midway and then Didsbury. From an early age he knew that farming and cattle were going to be his life. After finishing high school, Rod was already actively farming while attending Olds College in the Ag Mech Technology Program. After college, he started his own operation that he passionately pursued until his passing. His career accomplishments include founding Hannah Salers, where he enjoyed establishing many deep friendships with so many cattlemen. Among his favourite memories in the cattle business was attending Brandon Ag Expo and Agribition, where he showed the Salers and Simmental cattle he was so proud of and held ‘social court’.
Rod was meticulous with all the details of his business, but he was particularly proud of his top-quality hay and keeping his machinery and Ford trucks pristine. This allowed him to market hay all around Canada to a diverse clientele from local cattlemen to professional rodeo competitors and the Calgary Zoo. In addition to farming full time, Rod enjoyed a long career at the Lone Pine Gas Plant. He studied at SAIT and NAIT to achieve his journeyman millwright certification that set him up for success. He made many friends along the way and was known by all as “The Big Farm Boy”. He also loved hunting, fishing and guiding so much, that he and longtime friends started an outfitting business. Together, they enjoyed many successful hunts and the beauty of the Clearwater backcountry. However, his proudest accomplishment of all was his family. He married the love of his life Jo-Anne (nee Racher) in 1980, which resulted in the arrival of daughter Stacey and son Wade. He instilled in his children a love of agriculture, particularly cattle, and taught them the importance of hard work. They spent many years together in 4-H, where Rod was actively involved as a parent, leader, and board member. He was known by all as an excellent mentor and a lot of fun in any situation. His grandson Kyver (Stacey’s son) was the light of his life and he loved being a ‘Papa’. Rod took Kyver everywhere with him; roasting hot dogs, taking combine rides, and heading to the auction mart for lunch. Rod is predeceased by his parents Ray and Marion Hannah. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Jo-Anne:, daughter Stacey; son Wade; grandson Kyver; siblings Debbie McMann, Heather Rylance, and John (Maureen) Harnett; stepmother Joan Hannah; sister-in-laws Diann (Lou) Marta, Lana (Marvin) David; brother-in-laws, Doug (Darlene) Racher, Garth (Andrea) Racher and Kent Racher; as well as numerous extended family and friends who were considered to be family. In keeping with COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Rosebud Health Foundation, Didsbury. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Didsbury entrusted with arrangements. 403-335-4773 Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com

• Date : 2021-01-28
• Location : www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com - Innisfail/Olds/Sundre/Didsbury