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Alan William Hessler

24/4/1957 - 1/7/2026

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Obituary For 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.

He will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

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

Services

8 Jul

Celebration of Life

01:00 PM

Bear Creek Funeral Home 11802 99 Ave Grande Prairie, AB T8W 0C7 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 08/07/2026

    Debi pretty

    Dear Alan's family I am so sad to not be able to attend Alan's celebration of life. I am very grateful to have had the visit with him at Barb and Johns anniversary last summer. It seems we should cherish every moment with loved ones because we never know when we will be called home or they will. Thinking back of special occasions we could always count on Alan and Ken to bring out the guitar and all sing so many old favourites (500 miles) comes to my head like yesterday. I have not been able to get that song out of my head since I heard what happened so unexpectedly. I like to think it's Alan sending messages from his peaceful place of rest. I will never forget any of the happy moments spent with all the Hessler's. (In fact all the cousins and aunts,uncles and our grandparents). We were truly blessed to have such a warm and wonderfully tight family. God bless to all especially Alan's family and siblings. Much love Cousin Debi and Lorne

  • 07/07/2026

    Pat Meyer

    Dear Bonnie and family. Ken and I are so sorry to hear of Alan's passing. We are so pleased you had 16 years on the acreage and built such a beautiful home. Pat Meyer

  • 07/07/2026

    Tane Routley

    Hi Bonnie and Family, We are so sad to hear our friend Alan has passed. We know there were many adventures awaiting you and him Bonnie. We never made it out to see the beautiful place you called home while he was here but we know he will stay to watch over his family whom he was very very proud of. He was a great friend to Deven and I and our boys and always cared about doing what was right not easy. He had a moral compass many different not have today but we know he taught it to his son's and was always so happy to share their familes stories. It is our great pleasure to have called him our friend and Bonnie when the time is right reach out for a chat. Love and hugs to you all honor him like he honored you all. Deven and Tane.

  • 07/07/2026

    Margaret and Doug Rieger

    Dear Bonnie and family, So sorry to hear about Alan. Our sympathy to all. Doug and Margaret Rieger

  • 06/07/2026

    Dwain and Marcelle Velve

    So sad to here of Alans passing. I had the pleasure to know him for close to 50 years as we got into the trade at similar times. Throughout our careers, our paths crossed many times. Bonnie, Brent and Ryan and families, our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you take comfort knowing that he left a lasting legacy and his memory will be cherished by many. Dwain and Marcelle Velve

  • 06/07/2026

    Crystal Trider

    Condolences to the family. Crystal Trider (Cyr) C

  • 06/07/2026

    Janet Mooney nee Rorem

    Our deepest sympathy on the loss of our good neighbor from Christine Rorem and family

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