If you knew Wilbur Hanna, you knew his smile. It was bright, familiar, and almost always paired with a bit of humor or a story that might stretch the truth just a little—but that only made it better. Wilbur Herdman Hanna of Miramichi, NB passed away peacefully at Percy’s Place on December 12, 2025, at the age of 77, leaving behind a lifetime of memories that are impossible to forget.

Wilbur was born in Douglastown, NB on June 21, 1948, to Franklin and Esther (Wood) Hanna. From early on, he was known as a laid-back, easygoing soul—the kind of person who didn’t rush through life, he simply enjoyed it as it came. He was content with simple pleasures, good conversation, good food, and being surrounded by the people (and pets) he loved.

Wilbur spent 32 years working for the New Brunswick Department of Transportation. Truckers from far and wide knew him well, whether he was weighing trucks, surveying roads, or riding wingman on the plow. He took pride in doing things in being a hard worker, showing up now matter the weather or time of day. However, he also took time to chat, joke, and connect. To Wilbur, coworkers weren’t just coworkers—they were friends, and many of those friendships lasted a lifetime.

The Newcastle #10 Legion held a very special place in Wilbur’s heart. Not only was he a member there for most of his adult life,  it was there that he met his beautiful wife Gloria, who he quickly married after a short courtship. For many years each Saturday night was filled with dancing, laughter, music, and good company. Those who knew Wilbur knew he loved to dance any chance he could get.

Wilbur could also be found playing one of his many harmonicas, his accordion, or simply sitting back (usually wiggling away) listening to some classic country music. And after a few sips of Five Star, the singing would start—and it didn’t matter if he was on key or not. It was heartfelt, enthusiastic, and unmistakably Wilbur. Wilbur loved watching the good ole hockey or baseball game! Be it on TV or in his younger years, in person during one of his many trips to Boston. Dad loved TV and usually you could find him happily settled in front of it for hours, especially if Border Security, American Pickers or Three’s Company was on. That show never failed to make him laugh, no matter how many times he had seen it. “Come and knock on our door” will forever be embedded in our minds. 

Wilbur was also a true home chef, and he took great pride in it. His homemade fish and chips were legendary, as were his pizza, Chinese food, and baked goods. The portion sizes were enough to feed an army and then some, but he could sure pile away a good portion of that himself. Wilbur had a bit of a mischievous streak and in saying that there were the treats. Dad LOVED his treats. Chicken bones, lime pop, Strand chocolates, and ice cream were just some of his favorites. He was known for getting up in the middle of the night to sneak snacks, often returning to bed with treats in hand. More than once, he fell asleep mid-snack, crumbs and all. If caught, he’d smile sheepishly and say, “I just wanted a little taste,” as if that explained everything—and somehow, it always did.

He loved going for drives—sometimes with a destination, sometimes with none at all. He especially loved his trips to Boston to visit family, it was one of the most exciting things for all of us! He truly cherished his time there! Along with visits to family in Maine, Moncton and Saint John. He simply loved the freedom of being on the road and being with family.

 At home, one of his greatest joys was the family dog, Toodie. Wilbur adored him and was well known for sneaking him treats when he thought no one was looking. Of course, everyone always knew. He’d flash that grin, and you couldn’t help but laugh.

He was most proud of his family, and especially proud to be a father to Sylvia “His Pride and Joy”. But more than that being a grandfather to Molly and DJ, who brought him endless joy and purpose, was what he loved most. He loved nothing more when they were small to take them for a ride on the ride on lawn mower, play the harmonica to watch them dance about, make farm animal sounds to make them laugh, and just simply see their faces daily.

Wilbur is survived by his daughter, Sylvia Hanna (Evan) of Miramichi, New Brunswick; his beloved grandchildren, Molly and DJ; his sisters, Mildred Timberlake (Walter) of Lincoln, Massachusetts and Alice Upton (late David) of Drumheller, Alberta; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will forever remember his warmth and humor.

He was ...

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