Obituary of Richard Hanley

Richard Brian "Bunnie" Hanley 59, Bridgewater, passed away September 21, 2003, after a courageous battle with cancer in the South Shore Regional Hospital, Bridgewater. Born in Bruce’s Nursing Home, Shelburne, NS, he was a son of Dorothy Louise (Smith) Hanley of Rosedale Home for Special Care, New Germany, Lunenburg County and the late Harold Chesley Hanley. He was better known throughout most of his entire life as “Bunnie”, graduated from the Bridgewater High School system and was a resident of the Town of Bridgewater. Upon graduation he became employed by the Bridgewater Bulletin as a Linotype Operator by trade and Sports Columnist. After seven years he retired from the Bulletin as Assistant Managing Editor to assume the position as an accountant executive at radio station CKBW, a position he held for twelve years, prior to becoming an accountant executive with Moosehead Breweries. In the years that followed he held positions with Atlantic Speedy Propane, National Sea Products and Tomac Investments Ltd. During his time with local firms in the area, Bunnie became actively involved in local community organizations and events such as the original Oland’s International Ox-Pull, Conquerall Bank Fire Department Smelt Fishing Tournament and was a representative for Softball Nova Scotia. Organizations that Bunnie was actively involved in were the local Chamber of Commerce, PM local Masonic Order and the Bridgewater Fire Department. Later in years, he became very active in hunting and fishing and loved the outdoors, especially at the “Rat Nest” 144 ½ Baker Point. In 1987, Bunnie became actively involved with the 12 step Program of Alcoholics Anonymous which later led to employment with the provincial addictions program as an addictions counsellor in Lunenburg, the position he held at the time of his death. Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife of 26 years, Dianne Gale (DeMone); a daughter, the love of his life, Natasha Anne, Halifax; two sisters, Joanne Louise (Bob) Olive, New Minas; Dawn Elizabeth (John) Collins, Bridgewater; nephews, Adam and Matthew (Keri) Collins; great nieces, Paige and Bailey; nephews Brian and Darren (Patricia and Raphael), New Minas. Besides his father, he was predeceased by an infant brother, James Albert. Visitation will be held 7 to 9pm Tuesday in Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater. A memorial service will be held 11am Wednesday in the Bridgewater United Baptist Church, Rev. Dr. Tom Harvey officiating. Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.sweenysfuneralhome.com. He will be forever loved. “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference”