Whitney Pier

It brings us great sadness to announce the passing of William ‘Billy’ Hanna of Whitney Pier on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney at the age of 83.

Billy spent his career as an auto mechanic working several garages before venturing out on his own. He was an avid walker and physical fitness was part of his daily regime. He also enjoyed chatting with friends over morning coffee at the Whitney Pier Tim Hortons. He was a kind, compassionate and caring man, always putting others first, especially his family. He was well liked and respected in the community and will be missed by all who knew him.

Billy is survived by his daughter, Diane (Shannon) O’Brien and their children, Christopher, Connor and Liam of Halifax; son, David and his children, Stacey and Stephanie Hanna of Mississauga, Ontario; brothers, John (Josephine) Hanna, Mississauga, Ont., Dave (late June) Hanna and Peter (Rose) Hanna; sisters, Theresa (late Jack) DeCourcey; Marina (John) Cann, all from Sydney; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Billy was pre-deceased by his parents, Mansoor ‘Baba’ and Laura (Shebib) Hanna; the mother of his children, Cynthia (Grant) Hanna and niece, Angela Hanna, all from Whitney Pier.

Billy’s final farewell will be held at Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street), Whitney Pier on Saturday, June 29, 2019. A gathering of family and friends will take place from 8:30 – 10 a.m. with the memorial service to follow at 10 a.m. in the All Faith Chapel with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Light refreshments will be served in the reception area following the service. Interment will take place in New Calvary Cemetery, Whitney Pier.

Thank you to the ER and Stroke Unit staff and special thanks to the wonderful Palliative Care staff and volunteers for making a difficult situation more dignified and bearable during Billy’s time of need.

Donations in memory of Billy may be made to the Hospice Palliative Society of Cape Breton.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

         Online Condolences

The Hanna Family: Shocked to hear of Billie’s passing. Our prayers and sincere thoughts are with you all at this time.
Cousin Karen and Gary MacPherson
From:  Karen MacPherson

Very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
From:  Danny Gillis

Sorry David to hear about your dad’s passing. I have great memories of your dad and all the hockey parents who loved the kids, game of hockey and definitely Whitney Pier Legionnaires hockey program. Also your dad was the best team bus mechanic . God Bless..
From: Todd MacQueen

We were deeply saddened to learn of cousin Billy’s passing.
Our prayers and thoughts are with Billy’s family and all my Hanna Cousins
Karen (Shebib) MacPherson and Gary MacPherson
From:  Karen (Shebib) MacPherson

We are deeply sorry to hear of Billy’s passing.He was a wonderful,soft spoken gentleman.My family lived in the Pier and therefore we knew all that family our age.DEEP CONDOLENCES!!
From:  Joan Macintosh

Sending my love to cousins Diane and David today. When I think of my Uncle Billy I always go to my teenage years and the many summers I spent camping out, getting driven around like royalty and his constant grin. I really do miss him and can’t believe I won’t see him again… for now anyways.. RIP Uncle Billy. Please know that your eldest niece thinks you were pretty awesome. Love you all
From:  Joanne Corbett

Sincere sympathy to the Hanna family.
From:  Dave and Mary French and family