Alan William Hessler

April 24, 1957 – July 1, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Alan William Hessler, age 69, on July 1, 2026, at the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer that went unknown until a series of complications arose on June 14th.

 

Alan was born on April 24, 1957, in Spirit River, Alberta, to Henry and Phyllis Hessler. He was the middle of five children. Alan grew up on the family farm in Fourth Creek, where he met Bonnie Craik at Savanna School in 1972, and the two became high school sweethearts. Alan finished his Grade 12 year of high school in Grande Prairie and then went on to attend NAIT for his electrical training, launching a career that would define much of his working life.

 

In April 1977, Alan married the love of his life, Bonnie (Craik), in Northmark, Alberta. The young couple settled in Clairmont, where they had their two sons, Ryan and Brent, before moving to Grande Prairie in 1985, where they put down roots and raised their family. In 2015, he became a grandfather to his first granddaughter, Blake, and in 2018, once again to his second, Sloane.

 

Alan spent his entire career as an electrician, beginning with Cookshaw Electric, followed by a position at Grande Prairie Regional College (fun fact: he built the large Merry Christmas sign out of conduit, which until recently hung along the west wall of the college), before eventually starting his own electrical contracting business, AWH Electric. He was proud to work alongside both of his sons over the years — Brent joined him in 2005 and worked with him until his retirement in 2022, and Ryan worked alongside him from 2011 to 2019.

 

Alan was a man who was always on the move — never one to sit still. He was happiest with a project in front of him, always ready to help a friend or family member build, fix, or figure something out. He treasured time outdoors with his family: camping, being at the lake, out on the boat, or riding his motorcycle. Alan and Bonnie’s lake house in the Okanagan held a special place in his heart, where countless summers were spent making memories with family and friends. At home, he was just as often found in his chair with one of his beloved cats curled up on his lap. Above all, his granddaughters brought him a special joy all their own, and he cherished every moment with them. Riding around on the golf cart with him was one of their favourite things to do.

 

Alan’s death came far too soon, and there were still so many plans Alan and Bonnie had hoped to share together. He was the best dad, husband, and grandfather anyone could ask for.

 

Alan will be deeply missed by his wife of 49 years, Bonnie Hessler; his sons, Brent Hessler and Ryan Hessler (Jill); and his granddaughters, Blake and Sloane Hessler. He is also survived by his sister Barb Winia (John), his brother Ken Hessler (Darlene), his brother Calvin Hessler (Donna), and his sister Laurie Jackson (Doug), along with many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

 

Alan was predeceased by his mother, Phyllis Hessler; his father, Henry Hessler; and his stepmother, Ann Hessler.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 8th at 1:00 p.m. at Bear Creek Funeral Home (11802 99 Avenue in Grande Prairie, Alberta). Interment will follow at Northmark Cemetery, where Alan will be laid to rest near his Mother and Father. A luncheon will follow back at Bear Creek Funeral Home for those who wish to attend.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bandaged Paws in Alan’s memory.

bandagedpaws.org/donate

He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

 

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 bcfh.ca

• Date : 2026-07-01
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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