Hank Imes passed away suddenly of a heart attack on January 20, 2020, at the age of 71 years.
Hank retired from a career he loved as a cameraman at ITV/Global News, and he had a very happy retirement, playing his guitar, travelling with family and friends, enjoying sports and going to musical performances. He loved cats and he loved learning, reading, and thinking of fun things to do with Sharleen and with friends.
Throughout his life, he was much loved by family and dear friends, who will miss his wit and kindness.
He is lovingly remembered by Sharleen, his wife of 38 years; son, Rob; sisters-in-law, Linda and Lois; brothers-in-law, Peter and Andrew; and his nieces, Kristin, Reagan, Melissa, and Michelle. He will also live on in the hearts of his dear friends, Joe, Robyn, Susan, Dan, Steve, Loretta, Brenda M and Brenda G; his pals from his working days at ITV/GlobalNews; his cousins, including Roseanne, Don, Murray and Virginia; and his comrades in guitar.
A Celebration of Hank’s Life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home, Downtown Chapel, 10011 114 Street, Edmonton, Alberta.
Margaret Leahey Bailey says
I am so shocked and saddened to learn of Hank’s death. He was the ultimate professional. I had the absolute pleasure and privilege of working with Hank for many years at CITV Edmonton, and later Global. With Hank, you never had to worry. He would always get the ‘right’ shot and we would have so much fun on hundreds of shoots we did together! In all the years we worked together, I never ever heard Hank say a bad word about anyone. He was a real gentleman. Rest in peace dear Hank and my deepest condolences to his family. Sincerely, Margaret Leahey Bailey
Boni Wagner-Stafford (Boni Fox) says
I am so sorry to hear of Hank’s passing. He was a great cameraman and I always enjoyed being on shoots together with him. He was calm, together, always with a glint in his eye and ready to see a bit of humour. Though of course any expression of it was subdued. My sympathies to his family and friends.
Neil Thomas says
Hank was well known for his quiet and reserved nature – and in the tv news business that’s a rare quality. I was a rookie journalist in my early 20’s and that laid back, ‘don’t rush’ attitude sometimes confused (and probably frustrated ????) my youthful exuberance at the time. But later in life, especially having a few opportunities to run into Hank outside of our former work relationship, I came to appreciate and admire that peaceful demeanour. I guess he had life all figured out before many of us. One beautiful memory I have with Hank is the first time (I believe for either of us) we went up in a hot air balloon for a news feature. It was a beautiful early summer morning in Edmonton. You could smell the fresh grass clippings in the park and the sun was already blazing in the sky at 730 am. For the entire trip his smile was as wide as the prairie horizon below us and we knew we both shared something special that day. I’ll just hang onto that and leave Hank there in the sky. Peaceful journey my brother . I’m sorry I won’t be with you for your final send off.
Neil Thomas (ITV News 1989-93)
Jennifer Warren (ITV /Global 1997-2001) says
I am so sorry to hear of Hank’s passing. I am one of the many remembering all the time we spent in the field with him, and what a pleasure he was to work with. He was universally liked and respected. My deepest condolences to Sharleen and family.
Neill & Michele Fitzpatrick says
Hank was the consummate pro. He often knew as much or more about the story/topic than the reporters did…and he always got the money shot. From the Pocklington kidnapping to Black Friday to that infamous cat-feces-infested house on Argyll Road, he was often the first on the scene and always unflappably reliable. More than that, he was a genuine nice guy. I’m so pleased that he retired on his own terms and that he enjoyed his retirement. Our condolences to Sharleen and Rob, the rest of Hank’s family and his friends.
Mike Spenrath says
Definitely shocked to hear of Hanks passing. As stated by all – he really was the true professional . Always calm and a great teacher to us guys coming out of Nait.
“Hank the Crank “ his earned nickname from our numerous Stiga table top hockey games played down in the shooters lounge. Always a great partner and will be dearly missed . Deepest sympathies Sharleen to you and your family.
Mike Spenrath
ITV 1985-1989
Lance Beswick says
Hank was a lovely guy who was always a pleasure to meet and talk to when I was with the police at crime scenes and Hank was shooting for ITV/Global. Such a gentleman. I’m sad I can’t attend his memorial, as I will be out of province on Feb.15. My condolences to his family.
Geoff Stickle says
Words cannot describe the empty feeling I have with the loss of my good friend Hank. He was my retirement role model. Easy going, carefree, lover of life. I will miss our ability to solve the problems of the world while savoring our favorite craft beer but mostly I will miss our mutual love of live music. There’s a big hole in my heart.
Graham Richardson says
I’m so sorry to hear about this. We cover some pretty terrible things in the news. In the midst of that, some of the worst stories you end up covering, I always felt that Hank was this island of decency. Curious. Intelligent. Engaged. Always professional. I remember bouncing things off him for his take on things. He always seemed grounded and decent. He was a quiet guy. But those eyes and that smile. He loved life. I’m so sorry. Graham. ITV News 1997-2001.
Susan Smitten says
I echo the sentiments of others – working with Hank was always a pleasure. I remember the day of the horrid tornado in 1986 he was one of the first to return from the field with the most devastating images, and he was so deeply affected. He carried that for a long time. I also remember his ability to laugh during the dry days of covering the shenanigans at the Legislature. He was wise, and carried a lot that others never knew of. I hold so much respect and caring for Hank, and send deepest condolences to Sharleen, Rob, and everyone who loved him.
Lynda Steele says
Oh such sad news. I worked with Hank for years and always found him to be a kind, lovely man to work with. Hank was the first ITV shooter to get back to the station with videotape after the Black Friday tornado. None of us really knew at the time what had hit Edmonton. Hank was white faced when he arrived back to station. We popped the tape in a video machine and were gobsmacked by the damage the tornado had wreaked on South Edmonton. Always quick with a smile, always affable, always deeply in love with his family. Hank was a good man who will be missed by many.
Colleen D. Drul says
Sharleen. I’m so sorry for your loss. No words can adequately describe the loss and pain you must be feeling. I can only hope that your memories of Hank will one day slowly mend your broken heart.
Camille Weleschuk says
Such a thoughtful, kind person. I will remember Hank with a smile – and as someone who others wanted to be around. Such positive energy. Condolences to Hank’s family and friends. I hope all of the memories shared here show the magnitude of his impact on others.
Heather Cox says
Our deepest sympathy go out to the family & friends.
From BC cousins –
Dave (Doreen) Heidt
Heather (Frank) Cox (nee Heidt)
Bill Hoffman says
My memories of Hank are all very positive – as I recall a quiet, gentle, considerate, respectful man who enthusiastically supported his son, Rob, our son, Sebastian, and the entire Riverbend team … at all times!
I never remember an instance, not even once, when Hank criticized nor raised his voice to comment about: a “mistake”, a misplaced pass, a weak kick, a critical, missed defensive assignment, a “botched” scoring attempt, a “soft” goal (by the opposition) … this type of commentary was just not a part of Hank’s DNA!
Hank Imes was the “epitome of the perfect fan and soccer-parent”.
Over more than a decade of watching Rob’s Riverbend team(s) competing (and always having Hank on the sidelines or in the stands), I came to realize that Hank Imes was a significant factor towards ensuring that each and every Riverbend tier-3 match was a very positive, joyful experience – Win or Lose!!
Hank was a man who fit the “description” that my father (also named Hank) used to describe a fellow who he respected greatly; he called such a person … a ”stand-up guy” – someone who could always be counted on to bring his “best game” to the sidelines!
So, “rain or shine” … “win or lose”, Hank Imes was always there, passionately supporting the team, with an endearing grin on his face, both “cheering”. and “cheering everyone up” – he set a fine example! An “example” that helped to ensure that all games played by Joe Robert’s teams stressed the true values of competing in young men’s team sports:
– “playing by the rules”
– “competing as hard as you can”
– “supporting ALL members of your team, at all times
– “displaying Respect for the Game, the Coaches, the officials, and the fans”
– “Playing competitively, fiercely, at times with the goal of defeating their competitors … but never forgetting …
“When you Win, say little; when you Lose … say LESS!!”
Rob, Sebastian, Jeff Roberts, Gregg, Mark P, Rory S. and all of the rest
of this very successful group of young men, over time, seemed to take on the “personality” of their “#1Fan”, “Robbie’s dad” … Hank Imes.
It was my privilege & honour to be on the sidelines, for many years, with such a committed, very fine, community-oriented father and true fan!
Hank will be greatly missed, but I know that he will be involved in a higher “game” now … he deserves it!!
Regards,
Bill Hoffman
Herb Tyler ITV (1979-1983) says
I just heard the news today of Hank’s passing from another old colleague, Geoff Stickle. I could not believe it. It has been many years since i have seen Hank but i will say that he was a prince of a man. For those who don’t remember, Hank, Geoff, Andy Byaloas (spelling?) and myself were the Original 4 ENG Cameramen at ITV (3/4 in. tape). Before that Hank was a great help to me with 16mm film, as Hank had shot film previously at CKCK in Regina. I believe we both were hired within 4 days of each other back in 1979. Those were tough sledding days with the RCA TK 76 on one shoulder and the tape deck on the other. I never heard Hank complain once, he was a real trooper. I will always cherish those early days with Hank, Geoff, Andy and later Gary Elmer.
Sharleen, i am so sorry for your loss…..may God be with you at this terrible time. RIP Hank……
Wendy Theberge says
Oh Hank – I am completely numb that this has happened to such a dear and sweet man whom I had the honour of working with for many years.
He was so kind and always always the “chill” one. On the coldest days he never complained setting up equipment and quietly going about the job at hand. Listening to all my tales of 20s angst through the hours and hours we spent together driving in that van.
Sharleen – I am so so sorry for your devastating loss. Rob – I have many memories of your father proudly telling me about you and your achievements. He loved his family deeply and was so so proud of his son and loved his wife deeply. This is a true tragedy. I am in disbelief right now – he is gone far too soon but he left a mark on every one of our hearts….
Beverly Dahl says
My dear cousin, Sharleen, and Rob, I am absolutely still shocked that you have lost Hank. I know your hearts are hurting so much from the loss, but he filled so many lives with beautiful memories. He is such an important part of our extended family and will be missed dearly forever. I wish mom could give you a great big hug! Love you!
Stephen Tayler says
My dearest sympathies Sharleen and Robbie as you remember Harold at this extremely hard time. It was a huge and unexpected shock for us. Harold was my closest friend since the days when we shared an apartment together fifty years ago just starting our careers. The two of you were always a source of comfort for us when we got together and shared our experiences. I am so sad that I didn’t have the chance to say goodbye to him.
Pat Krauskopf says
So sorry to hear this news.
I wasn’t at ITV very long when I recognized that Hank was someone to listen to and learn from.
In his quiet and honest way, he taught me abut the story, the craft and about life.
We would sometimes find a few minutes on the way back from a shoot to stop by a record shop to pick up a country or folk album.
And when he opened up, we would often talk about music and family. He adored both.
Hank was a decent man and a true friend.
Pat Krauskopf – ITV 1990 – 1997