December 26, 1941 – June 19, 2026 

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Hank Thiessen, who joined the Lord on June 19, 2026, at the age of 84, surrounded by his devoted wife Carmen and family. 

Born in Manitoba on December 26, 1941, to Susie and Jacob Thiessen (who migrated from Russia). Hank was the oldest of six siblings. Hank (at age two years) and his family moved to British Columbia and settled in Chilliwack, where Hank spent most of his childhood and youth.  As an adult, he moved around B.C. from White Rock to Prince George then to Yukon territory then back to B.C. He was married two times before marrying Carmen in the Philippines and settling in Yukon, then moved in 2010 to Merritt, B.C. for the warmer climes. 

Hank was passionate about driving, and he worked as a long-haul driver for more than 50 years, driving across Canada and Alaska with Carmen tagging along. He loved reading, fixing things, old movies, and woodworking. He also loved fishing when he was younger and settled later in life to solving puzzles, taking long drives with Carmen and having coffee with friends. 

He is survived by his wife Carmen, his stepchildren Flor and Gerald, Jojo, Bing and Henry, and Eric, and step-grandchildren John, Zach and Matti. He is also survived by his two brothers (Dave of Edmonton and Herb of Cranbrook) and three sisters (Erna of Kamloops, Deedee of Victoria, and Marge of Eholt), his adopted children Jeanette and Bonnie, and niece Debbie & husband Derrel. 

Hank was foremost a loving, patient and devoted husband to Carmen, a dependable father and grandfather to his family, and a loyal and wonderful person to his friends. Hank loved God, Carmen, and country and gospel music. He was an avid fan of German food and has grown fond of some Filipino foods that Carmen often cooked. 

Though our hearts are heavy, we are grateful for the years we shared with him and the countless memories that will forever bring us comfort. We are content knowing that he is now with our loving Father in heaven. 

A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in the Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive. Service followed by luncheon. 

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (Psalm 23:1) 

You may offer a message of condolence at Kamloops Funeral Home for the Thiessen family. 

• Date : 2026-06-19
• Location : Kamloops