Passed away peacefully surrounded by his family August 31, 2004 at the age of 64. Pete was diagnosed with cancer just one month earlier and was admitted to the Chilliwack General Hospital that same morning.
Pete was born in Jean-de-Baie, Nfld. June 8, 1940, the fifth of eight children born to James and Annie Hannam. After finishing school he held various jobs in Nfld. until he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers in June 1960. He started out as a Field Engineer and later served as Structures Technician and Construction Maintenance Technician.
Along with the military career came many postings including Gagetown,NB, 4Fld. Sqn. RCE,Germany, CFB Shilo,MB, CFB Churchill,MB, Camp Vernon,BC, Camp Wainwright,AB and three postings to CFB Chilliwack,BC.
While stationed in Germany Pete met and married his wife Jo and their daughter Kathy was born there before the family came to Chilliwack in 1964. The second daughter Debbie was born at the Chilliwack General Hospital in 1966.
Pete had a passion for animals especially dogs and in 1970 breeding, raising and showing dogs became the family hobby. They started out with Afghans, Dalmatians and Salukis and since 1982 concentrated on Tibetan Terriers. Dalghani Tibetan Terriers are well known and have won numerous Best in Show awards.
Pete and Jo were actively involved with many dog clubs for over 30 years and are Life Members of the Canadian Kennel Club. Pete gave generously of his time and effort to national and local clubs, often serving as president.
Pete also loved fishing, watching hockey and football, playing cards and shopping. He excelled in woodworking craftsmanship and spent many hours in his shop. He also loved to socialize and entertain and organized memorable parties at work, for dog clubs and for the family.
Always ready to help, Pete will be remembered for his kindness and generosity. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who placed the needs of others, especially family, above his own.
Pete retired from the Army with the rank of Warrant Officer in July 1992. Pete and Jo settled on a small acreage near Salmon Arm, BC for 10 years and two years ago they finally moved back to Chilliwack where their life together in Canada had begun.
Pete leaves behind to mourn his loving wife Jo, two daughters, Kathy (Ron with Corey) and Debbie and three grandsons, Curtis, Kody and Eli, all of Chilliwack. Pete is also fondly remembered by his brother Tom (Sylvia) and sister Susie Yates of New York, his brother Charlie and sisters Florence (Jerome) O’Keefe, Anna Drake and Dora (Gary) Mercer of Newfoundland, his brother Jim (Bobbi) of Hamilton, ON. and numerous relatives and friends. His parents and his older sister Bride Mallay predeceased him.
A Celebration of Pete’s life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Br.#280, Vedder Crossing on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 at 1:30 p.m. Father Fred Tassinari officiating.
Cremation has taken place. Arrangements entrusted to Vedder View Funeral Services.