Paul Hanner

Paul is survived by his son; Brad and Marilyn (wife) Karen his daughter in law (Rodney), his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many loving friends and community members.

He was predeceased by his wife; Audrey, their son; Rodney, and daughter; Deborah.

Paul was born in London, England on June 27, 1927. At the age of twelve, Paul joined the Air Cadets with hopes of becoming a fighter pilot. He joined the Royal Air Force at the age of sixteen, telling officials that he was eighteen. In 1945, he was released from RAFVR so he took the opportunity to join the army.

For almost 2 years (October, 1945-April, 1947), he was stationed at a military base in Calcutta, India. Here he served as the Orderly Room Clerk, in charge of goods and supplies for the base. He was noted as being “pains-taking, neat and very reliable” in his role. He served until 1954 and obtained his diploma in business management from Hull University.

When Paul returned to London, he began working as a publicist for Elstree Film Studios. This is where he met Les Lovell (a Canadian hockey player), who encouraged Paul to head to Toronto. He made it to Canada with $25 in his pocket, but he was able to find room and board and began working for the T Eaton Company writing ads. Paul later became the advertising director for Odeon Theatres.

In 1954, Paul met Audrey in Hamilton, Ontario. He said he was “smitten” by her red suit, high heels and her beautiful blond hair. They married in 1955 and went on to have three children; Rodney, Brad and Deborah.

In 1968, Paul became a Cadet Instructor with the Canadian Militia in the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry. In 1970, Paul and his family moved to Calgary to pursue other opportunities. Eventually becoming Commanding Officer for the Lord Strathcona’s Cadet Corps based at Sarcee barracks.

Paul loved jazz music and culture. He was invited by his friend Ted Soskin to take over the CHQR’s Saturday late show. He broadcast with the slogan “Music in the Hanner Manner!” They liked his show so much that he was also hired to do the nightly 12-6 am show as well.

He created Paul Hanner Productions in the early 70s to produce and stage concerts. Paul was passionate about sharing his love of music. Even going so far as to bring over 2000 albums from his collection into the radio station to expand their library. Paul worked in radio all over Calgary and Southern Alberta for over 16 years until his retirement.

In 1987, he was asked to co-host CTV’s weekly show “Winsday” to present the results of the local lottery draws. In 1993, Paul was honoured with the Alberta Country Music Heritage Award. Later he went on to host a seniors’ television program through Shaw called “Circle 60”. He also wrote freelance entertainment columns in the High River Times and contributed a chapter to Susan Warrender’s 2007 book “Behind the Marquee: A History of Alberta’s Motion Picture Theatres.

In the mid-2000, Audrey suggested that Paul find other hobbies to keep active. He got a part-time job at Chapters where he happily talked about books with customers, often sharing his favourite selections.

In 2023, Paul presented Alberta’s first poppy to the Honourable Salma Lakhani. He was also designated with Honourary Chair of the 2023 Poppy Campaign. At the time, Paul was 96 and had spent 57 years as a member of the RCL#285.

Paul stayed active in his community, he believed strongly in the importance of volunteering as volunteers provide vital services to Calgarians.

In lieu of flowers, please consider volunteering for a local non-for profit in Paul’s honour. Alternatively, donate to your local Legion branch.