Hank Wessel
June 19, 2025
In Loving Memory
Hank Wessel
Hank Wessel died in Kamloops, BC on June 19, 2025, at the age of 90 years. He is survived and lovingly remembered by the great love of his life, Lu Cartier, his children Donna, April (Byron), and Dave Wessel and their mom Mirella Wessel, his two beloved grandchildren Siena and Chiara, his step-children Lyle Cartier, Debbie Cartier, and Shelly (Russ) LaChance, step-grandchildren Daniel, Ryan, Jennifer, Andrea, Tanner, Stephan, Josh, Tyler, and Kayla, his many step-great grandchildren, his siblings Thelma Sharp, Jenny Boniface, and Jack (Geraldine) Wessel, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Hendrik and Jane Wessel, younger brother Albert Wessel and his grandchildren Ashley and Ian Wessel, and his stepdaughter-in-law Gail Cartier.
Hank spent his early years in Palling, BC and later moved to Westwold at the age of 12. Always eager to learn, as a teen he embraced blacksmithing, an ability he used with pride in his retirement. Over his eclectic career, Dad took on many roles: he was a CAT skinner, a log road builder, a designer of revolutionary new trailers, and his favorite – a truck driver – hauling hay, cattle, logs, driving flat-decks and dry vans, and being a dare-devil pipeline driver (in his youth, at times having his truck pulled up a cliff by two CATs). Dad was an extraordinary driver and took immense pride in training young drivers, especially his son.
Dad made connections wherever he travelled. It didn’t matter where the destination or the stops along the way, Dad always ran into someone he knew. He just had a way of drawing people to him. That’s likely how he was lucky enough to meet Lu. Both coming from rural backgrounds Dad and Lu naturally moved to a little farm in Exlou, BC. They worked tirelessly tending to the animals; clearing land; and growing a large garden together. Dad also designed and created devices to reduce their workload; built outbuildings (most importantly his forge); and always ensured there was ample wood to heat the woodstove for Lu’s delicious bread. Together with their furry friends, Teton and Big & Little Grey, this farm was their piece of heaven.
In addition to the farm, Dad and Lu enjoyed travelling throughout Canada and wintering in Yuma, Arizona; a tradition they continued until Lu’s illness separated them. Although forced to live 45 minutes apart, Dad never missed a week visiting Lu at her care home; his love and dedication was unwavering.
We are so grateful to his wonderful neighbors, Brenda, Glen, and Bruce, and his doctor, Ilke Marais. We always knew he was in such caring hands in his community of friends in Louis Creek, Barriere, and Clearwater, all of whom enriched his life.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 2pm on Saturday July 26, 2025, at the Heffley Creek Hall, 6995 Old Highway 5, Kamloops, BC.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-554-2324
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 6
Sorry for your loss: I worked with Hank Seal Coating out of Kamloops. He became a really good friend,we often had breakfast,suppers together with Lou. Just learned of his loss,it saddens me to him passing but was happy to have met Hank and was a true friend. Yours Truly
Ron
I will miss seeing him at the Station House restaurant in Barriere and always holding the doors open for him when it was time for him to go. Always a thank you very much! I was always so amazed how well he got around and that he still was able to drive being 90. Condolences to your family and for all those he touched in his 90 years.
I recently had the honour of meeting your dad when he pulled into my yard looking for someone. Your write up of him was all the things I took from his chat with me that day. He couldn’t say enough about how much he missed Lu.
Thank you April for writing such a beautiful story about your father. I will forever love the man I knew as my step father. Our condolences to you and your family. Shelly and Russ.
Hey Hank will miss your visits at the farmers market. Enjoyed our talks about you and yr family. Was so nice to have meet you. Rest in peace my friend
Hank, thank you for coming into my life and brightening my days with your stories of you and Lou, as well as your kids and families. I cherished our friendship and time together so much. We adopted eachother as family and I will always hold you close in my heart. Until we meet again my friend.
To Hank’s family…Hank was a wonderful and kind soul. Thank you for sharing him with me and anyone else who had the pleasure of getting to know him. You were truly lucky to be able to call him family. Sending you all love and condolences.