In Memoriam: Bob Hanna
The Ontario Lacrosse Association joins the community in mourning the passing of Bob Hanna, an OLA Life Member and inductee of both the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame and the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame.
Bob’s lifetime of dedication helped shape the game in communities across Ontario. Born in Fergus in 1934, Bob began playing lacrosse at six years old. His playing career took him to Newmarket, Mimico, Scarborough, Long Branch, Port Credit and Brooklin. A determined competitor, he represented Brooklin in the 1964, 1965 and 1967 Mann Cup championships and earned the Merv McKenzie Trophy as Senior “A” lacrosse’s best defensive player in 1967.
Bob carried that commitment behind the bench, coaching the Oshawa Green Gaels, Scarborough Saints, Etobicoke Eclipse and Whitby Warriors. He guided Scarborough to the 1981 Canadian Midget (now U17) Division “B” championship and coached the Saints to the 1985 Founders Cup Junior “B” National Championship. With the Whitby Junior “A” Warriors, he celebrated Minto Cup championships as coach in 1999 and general manager in 2011, serving the organization for 14 years before retiring in 2013.
His service extended well beyond game day. Bob spent a decade as an executive and president of the Scarborough Minor Lacrosse Association and served as the OLA’s Technical Director from October 1990 to December 1997. Through his work in minor and junior lacrosse, he helped develop players and supported coaches, contributing to the strength of the game across Ontario. At the heart of his coaching was a belief in teamwork: every player had a role, and the team’s success mattered more than individual statistics. He valued dedication, encouraged players to give their best, and believed there should always be room for enjoyment in the game.
Bob’s achievements were recognized with induction into the Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame as a player and the Canadian Lacrosse Hall of Fame as a builder in 1997. He received the Mr. Lacrosse Award (the Thomas “Tip” Teather Trophy) in 2011 and became an OLA Life Member in 2013.
Reflecting on his lifelong connection to the sport, Bob said, “Lacrosse seems to get into your blood and it never leaves.”
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, staff and membership, OLA extends its deepest condolences to Bob’s family, friends, former teammates, and the many players and coaches whose lives he touched,” said Jeramie Bailey, Ontario Lacrosse Executive Director. “We remember Bob with gratitude for all he gave to lacrosse and for the legacy he leaves with our community.”
A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, November 7, 2026 from 1:00PM - 4:00PM in Whitby, ON. Family and friends are invited to come together to share memories, stories, and raise a glass in Bob’s honour. For planning purposes, guests are kindly asked to RSVP at this link.
With contributions by Rad Joseph
Ontario Lacrosse Hall of Fame & Museum
