CHARLES (CHARLIE) HANNA LANIER of Lethbridge, Alberta passed away July 17, 2011 at the age of 91.

Charlie was born February 10, 1920 in Lethbridge and lived the majority of his life in the Wilson Siding area. He attended the Wilson White Community School in his early years and later went to LCI, Pickering College and Washington and Lee University. He joined the U.S. Air Corps during World War II, becoming a pilot with the 316th Troop Carrier Group which supported the 8th Army in Operation Market Garden and the Invasion of Holland. Receiving his wings and the U.S. Air Medal were highlights in his life. Following the war, Charlie returned to the family farm, taking it over in 1959 after his marriage to Estelle (Estie) (nee Hargreaves). It was there that they raised their children and where he was able to live until his passing.

For many years, Charlie served the Lethbridge community as a member of the YMCA Board of Directors, Lethbridge East Rotary Club (Charter Member), Kinsmen Club and K-40. He was also a member of the Wilson White Community Association, the Coaldale Volunteer Firemen Association, the Royal Canadian Legion and the Lethbridge Archaeology Society.

Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Allene, brother Louis, brother Thomas (Tombo) 12 years, infant sister Martha, infant brother Addison, and nephew David. He leaves to mourn the love of his life, Estie, children: Sue Evans (Blaine Thacker), Sylvia Evans, Charles Evans (Amy Enfield) and Anne, his brother Ike (Diana), grandchildren: David Hampson (Deanne), Michelle Hampson (Karl), Justin Plaetner, Alex Dardanoni, and Emily Evans, four great grandchildren: Charlie, Cayman, Rowan and Rosie Hampson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Charlie lived his life to the fullest. He and Estie had many adventures abroad over the years traveling to such places as Egypt, India, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and Brazil, and their home (often dubbed the Kentucky Farm Hilton) was a great gathering place for family and friends from all over the world. His life was a rich one - filled with laughter and love.

Friends and family will remember Charlie for his warm heart, amazing smile, and that special twinkle in his eye - a combination that could light up a room. He was very much a gentleman, very generous, hard working, fun loving, loyal to those he loved and honest to a T. What a legacy!

It was Charlie's expressed wish that there be no funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation (the Heart Function Clinic or the Intensive Care Unit) or a charity of your choice would be meaningful.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital for their efforts to make Charlie as comfortable as possible during his final days. They would also like to thank Dr. Strank as well the Lethbridge Home Care and Bridges staff for their support and positive impact on Charlie's life the past few years.