Hank's Funeral Services

[Bkat]

Just got back from Rayne, Louisiana where I attended Hank's funeral services. It was literally a standing room only crowd, with all the pews packed and people standing against the walls and in the foyer. It was very gratifying to see how well known and how well loved Hank was in this community. I heard a number of good "Hank" stories, all in character with the man we knew. Zane (LSCG) from the forum was also there, having driven from central Texas. Chris, Hank's former son-in-law, and Bo, his godson, both of whom shot with us at a couple of our Fredericksburg gatherings, served as pallbearers.

Susie was just amazing. Even though she had to be running literally on fumes, both physically and emotionally, she was her usual charming and gracious self and gamely greeted everyone and made each person know how much she appreciated their presence. She's a rock! Susie's computer has been down so she hadn't yet seen the tributes to Hank posted here on the forum, but her kids were going to get her logged in this evening or tomorrow so she could read what Hank's friends on the forum had to say.

Hank's son and two daughters were just like Susie, extremely grateful and gracious to all. The whole family is a class act. I think this family that Hank leaves behind is his greatest legacy.

Bkat

 

[Robb Barnes]

Thanks Bkat, I was wracking my brain on a way to get from Oregon to Rayne on such short notice and just could not get all the pieces to work together. So glad you and Zane could be there and let Susie and the family know how much Hank was loved and appreciated. Hopefully when Susie gets on line she can read all our thoughts and words about Hank. He truly was one of a kind.

 

[contender]

Somehow,,, none of this news surprises me.
We have lost a good one,,, yet,,, as noted,,, the legacy lives on.
I'm glad at least a few Forum members were there.

 

[graygun]

Thanks for posting and attending. Yeah,not surprising that ole story teller Hank was well loved. He was very friendly. I remember in April 2011 at the KOA talking with him by his vehicle and getting a show and tell on some of the guns he'd brought. Piper was also chatting/looking for a bit.

Susie,God bless and hope to see you some time in the future. You and your folks are always welcome to shoot with us or just visit.

 

[Wyandot Jim]

I was busy this weekend and didn't know any of this until now.
I'm speechless.

From the first Ruger Fest in Fredericksburg.











Piper/Jim Another good one gone.

 

[pawncop]

Don,

Thanks to you and Zane for representing the Texas branch of the Ruger family. I'm hoping Susie and family know just how much we thought of Hank and her and the rest of his family that came to our little celebration here.

I'm often struck by how quickly we bonded with Rugerfest. It was a great way to get to know some great people. I'm a better person for that experience.

Thank you both again.

 

[Xsales]

Thanks for the update & others for their pics

Great to know some RF folks were there...

 

[graygun]

Thanks for the photos,Jim. The top one shows Bkat,Judy and Karl to Susie's right. I was sitting right across the table,next to Slip/Paul and wife. Ole Pipes and wife are there and Beagle Dog too,on Hank's right in the next to last one. I can't recall your friend's name with the black hat. That table was next to your RV.

 

[Rick Courtright]

Hi,

Another "Thanks" to Don and Zane for being there for the rest of us! I hope Hank and Jim (Piper) have plenty of tales to share now that they're together at that great range up there. I do hope the kids can get Susie hooked up to where she can see even more of how Hank influenced folks and how much they loved him for it. And Susie, thank you for sharing Hank with us! May your life continue to be as blessed with his memory as it was with his presence.

Rick C

 

[737tdi]

I too am glad some forum folks made it down. Great seeing some old pics.. That is a great pic. of Slip, Hank, Piper and WJ.


Semper Fi:

Karl

 

[ruger randy]

thanks to bkat & zane for making the trip;


-----------------

ruger randy

 

[Colonialgirl]

Sorry I couldn't make it over there for the Funeral Service; Never met Hank in person, only on the telephone once or twice and lot's of times here on the forum.
Glad the Ruger Forum Group was represented.
Pamela

 

[Cholo]

Thanks for the update, Bkat. I sure would have liked to have been there, but it just wasn't in the cards We're sure going to miss Hank. My prayers are now for Susie and the rest of Hank's family. I'm glad you and Zane could make it...

 

[RugerHound]

I didn't know Hank well... Never met him. Just exchanged a few emails with him not so long ago. I'm saddened beyond words.

RIP Hank - May God bless your soul and give your family the strength to carry on.

 

[WendyZXZ]

Thanks for the update. I am also not surprised in reading the thread about Hank and how others felt about him.

 

[gramps]

thanks to bkat & zane for making the trip;


-----------------

ruger randy

My feelings too. My heart is heavy, and I barely knew him. My prayers go out for his family, and friends.
gramps

 

[gunslinger_h]

I would like to thank all of the great people that Hank met on the Ruger forum. Your fellowship greatly enhanced the final years of his life. Our time in Texas was some of the happiest for him and me. Keep Hank in your prayers. He will always be with me. Much Love, Susie.

 

[contender]

Dern you Susie,,, made me cry all over again.
Our hearts are with you & all your family.

 

[tazbigdog]

Happier times!








RIP Hank.