Elmore Hank Llewellyn Hankinson

Elmore Llewellyn Hankinson, “Hank “ to his family, friends and associates, died of natural causes at Canterbury Gardens Retirement Residence, Peterborough Ontario, on August 9, 2014 three days following his 91st birthday.

Hank was born in Smithers, British Columbia on August 6, 1923 to Cecil and Lucretia (nee Sangster) Hankinson.

Hank grew up in Smithers and Prince Rupert, British Columbia and graduated from Albert College in Bellville Ontario. Shortly after graduation from high school Hank enlisted in the Canadian Air Force and following training in Canada served his country as a pilot with the British Fleet Air Arm during WW II. In England Hank met Hylda May Craddock, as she was serving with the Woman’s Royal Naval Service at the same base. After a brief courtship they were married in Birmingham, England on October 6, 1945 and returned to Winnipeg Manitoba.

In recognition of his service Hank accepted a scholarship and enrolled in the architecture program at the University of Manitoba. After winning the Pilkington travelling scholarship for architecture in a nation wide competition Hank graduated with honours. Following a tour of Europe as a visiting lecturer Hank and his new family returned to Winnipeg and he began his long career with Eaton’s of Canada. In 1956 Hank was offered the position of Chief Architect in the head office of Eaton’s and moved to Toronto, Ontario.

Between 1956 and his retirement from Eaton’s in 1991 Hank was directly involved in the planning and design of 45 regional shopping centres across Canada, including the design and construction every new Eaton’s store or expansion. In contrast to many major retailers in North America Eaton’s also invested heavily in revitalization of the downtown cores. Beginning with design of Wellington Square in London, Ontario in 1959, the first downtown enclosed mall shopping centre in North America, Hank and senior management at Eaton’s initiated revitalization of the downtown in 26 Canadian cities including; Eaton Centre Victoria; Pacific Centre Vancouver, Eaton Centre Calgary, Eaton Centre Edmonton, Cornwall Centre Regina, Midtown Plaza Saskatoon, Eaton Place Winnipeg, Eaton Centre Toronto, Rideau Centre Ottawa, Eaton Centre Hamilton, Eaton Centre Montreal, and Peterborough Square. Few architects, planners or retailers in North America have ever played such a key role in the form and function of our urban environment.

Hank was preceded in death by Hylda, his wife for 60 rewarding years, and his six brothers Hazen, Hadley, George, Lawrence, Delray and Robert.

Hank’s successful life continues to be celebrated by; his son Richard, his daughter Valerie Carpentier, his grandchildren Tamara Apsitis (Justin), Scott Carpentier (Sara) and Timothy Carpentier (Elba), his great grandsons Devon and Easton Carpentier, his great granddaughter Bree Apsitis, and his sisters June Meadows in California and Cherie Hankinson in BC.

Hank wanted to express his thanks to all staff and residents at Canterbury Gardens who provided comfort, support and companionship in his final years.

A memorial service and visitation will be held at Comstock Funeral Home on Thursday, August 14, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Interment to follow at Little Lake Cemetery, in Peterborough.

For those unable to attend condolences may be left on line at comstockfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Hank can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, 183 Simcoe St, Peterborough, ON, K9H 2H6

Visitors to Hank and Hylda’s resting place in Little Lake Cemetery should take time to appreciate the sincerity and love expressed in their final words.

Together Forever