Hank McDermott

Hank Gordon McDermott passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side, on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2016, at the age of 69 years, after a long battle with cancer.

Hank was born on Dec. 20, 1946 in High Prairie. He was raised on the family farm near Banana Belt, went to college in Grouard to be a forester, drove truck and owned his own trucking company in the 1980s. He then moved into working as a welder and mechanic at Prairie Truck and Trailer in 1993 and worked there until 2008 when he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and the battle began.

Hank started the Night Ryder Band in 1968 and played around the Peace Country for many, many different functions, weddings, fundraisers and rodeos. He loved to talk about the sea of cowboy hats dancing to his music.

Hank also was part of a special group of quadding friends that he was with most weekends for many years. He also had a special love and patience for his grandchildren whom he enjoyed to tease and spend time with.

Hank is survived by: his loving wife, Marge; and his children Mark McDermott, Kelly [Paula] McDermott, Vonda McDermott and Barry McDermott; stepchildren Tiara [Darryl] Huber and Rae-Lyn Rasmussen [Jason Payne]; and grandchildren Cody Mineault, Dylan McDermott [Morgan Gaucher], Shelby McDermott [Dallas Fowler] and Alison McDermott [George Bradshaw)] step-grandchildren Lance Huber [Ashlee Cowie], Angie Huber [Darcy Gavine], Joshua Huber, Joel Huber, Colton Sandboe [Sydney Williams], Danyka Sandboe, Cassie Payne, Colby Payne, Keydon Payne, Jaden Payne and Jaylynn Payne; special great-grandchild Chet Dylan MacKenzie Fowl- er; step great-grandchildren Fisher Gavine, Gibson Gavine and Finley Gavine; family members David and Barb McDermott, Ardith and Pete McCann, Debbie Spreen and Gene Goertzen, Connie and Ron Senkoe, Harold Henderson, Joan and Ed Ragan, Donna and Jack Minsky; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Hank was predeceased by: his parents, George and Gladys McDermott; and one sister, Barbara.

A celebration of Hank’s life was held Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Grande Prairie Alliance Church.

In Hank’s memory, his family would ask that all your gracious gifts and/or lieu of flowers be made to assist patients of the Cancer Clinic with expenses they are faced with when undergoing treatment: Grande Prairie Regional Hospital Foundation Re: Cancer Clinic Social Work, 10409 98 St. Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 2E8.