HANSES , Bradley John Hanes

Bradley John Hanes slipped away quietly the morning of Aug. 12, 2025, as if he’d just ducked out for a run. He was 85. A jogger for more than 55 years, John was a familiar presence to all the neighbours he encountered on his daily runs in Dwight. He had such a large collection of worn-out running shoes that he left a pair at every door of the house to use as slippers.

John embodied the motto ‘slow and steady wins the race.’ After being sidelined by his lymphoma diagnosis, his goal was to get back to running someday. And against all odds, he did. For the first few months of 2025, he managed to resume his favourite activity – a testament to his tremendous determination. His nickname was Speedball, Speed, or Fireball, but it had nothing to do with running. It’s what his oldest friends called him – ironically – because of the slow, deliberate way he had of speaking.

Born May 6, 1940, John grew up in Muskoka, where his ancestors settled 150 ago. He was the middle child of Jeremiah Walter Hanes, a First World War veteran, and Marion Bradley. John was predeceased by his parents and his brothers, Stanley in 1996, and Harold in 1999. He was raised on a farm south of Huntsville that was later expropriated for Highway 11 expansion. His early years shaped his resilience and work ethic, working from Grade 8 at a drive-in and later at Ecclestone’s Hardware.

John loved to ski and joined the ski patrol. After a difficult final high school year, he worked for Bell to save for university. He later attended Northern Michigan University, working nights and living frugally, but illness forced him to leave before completing his degree. He moved to Windsor, where he met Shirley Boyko at Ford Credit. They married in 1970 and had two daughters, Allison and Angela. The family moved to BC with Ford, had many adventures, then returned to Ontario in 1987.

Later, John helped establish Toyota Financial Services in Canada, reaching senior executive ranks without a university degree. He also led a workplace running group. Most of all, he was a devoted family man who put his loved ones above all else – from long commutes to family-first decisions. John retired in 2005 to Muskoka, where he continued running and enjoyed time with loved ones on Lake of Bays.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Shirley, daughters Allison and Angela Hanes, sons-in-law Nicolas Van Praet and Jonah Allison, grandchildren Beatrice and Georgia Van Praet, and Simone and Jaimen Allison, as well as grand-dog Archie. A celebration of life will be held at Hillside Farm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Algonquin Grace Hospice, Huntsville Memorial Hospital, or Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre. The family expresses deep gratitude to Dr. Lauren Gerard, Dr. Deborah Harrold, Dr. Rich Trenholm, the Huntsville Palliative Care Team, Closing the Gap, and staff at Algonquin Grace Hospice for their compassionate care.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Funeral Home Not Listed.