August 23, 1932 – March 25, 2025 

Hank was born in Trochu, Alberta to a newly arrived immigrant family. In 1934, along with his parents and seven siblings, he moved to “German Town” in Brocklehurst, Kamloops. Growing up on a farm, he was responsible for feeding the pigs, building apple crates, and pulling logs out of the river for firewood. 

As a teen, he joined Air Cadets. That, plus a lot of studying, led to placement at Royal Roads, then Royal Military College and Queens University. He earned a degree in engineering as well as becoming a pilot in the Canadian Air Force. While stationed in Moose Jaw, he met his bride-to-be Irene at the Moose Jaw Library. 

From the Air Force, he went on to be a pulp mill engineer in Crofton and Kamloops, and then a small business owner. But his greatest joy was being the fixer and builder of everything, especially for his family. 

He loved time with family in the outdoors: camping, fishing, and hunting. The time spent with family and friends was paramount. Being prepared for any eventuality meant tarps, ropes and ample food were the order of the day. His military training certainly played a role in family gatherings. 

He was a voracious reader of pulp-fiction Westerns and spy novels. 

He was a fierce advocate for friends and family having difficulty navigating government systems. He kept abreast with the news of the world and did his best to master the juggernauts of the internet and computer technology. 

Hank started each day cooking bacon and eggs, welcoming anyone to the table who happened along. Hank and Irene opened their home to friends and family from around the world. They kept in touch with people from every decade of their lives who in turn became part of the fabric of their extended family. 

Hank is predeceased by his wife of 62 years Irene, and daughter Janice Weeks. Also his parents George and Katharine, and all of his brothers & sisters Ron, Otto, Chris, Frida, Hilda, Oscar and Alma plus step-mother Martha and many step-siblings. 

Hank is survived by four of his daughters Heather (Joe Mayrhofer), Nancy, Judy, and Alison Bepple, and son-in-law Doug Weeks; grandchildren Courtenay Reedman Parker, Ian Reedman, Don MacArthur, Jennifer Brown, Elizabeth Keam, Tyler Weeks, Alexi Weeks, Arlin Weeks, Thom Keijzer, Peter Keijzer, Robyn Bepple and Tyson McInnes; a multitude of (great) great grandchildren; step-brother Ernie Radies; and many nephews and nieces. 

He passed away peacefully at Marjorie Willoughby Hospice. Thank you for his care to the hospice, as well as RIH Cancer Centre, ER and 5-South, and Drs. Proctor, Cook & Sigalet over the last two years especially. 

A service will be held on Friday, April 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Hills of Peace Lutheran Church, 695 Robson Dr., Kamloops, B.C. 

In lieu of flowers, if you wish, consider a donation to Marjorie Willoughby Hospice or the BC Wildlife Federation in Hank’s name. 

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service for the Bepple family.

• Date : 2025-03-25
• Location : Kamloops