Whitney Pier
It is with saddened hearts that we, the family, announce the passing of Peter Hanna on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at Hospice Cape Breton, after a long-fought battle with cancer.
Born on November 5, 1940, in Sydney, Peter was a son to the late Mansour and Laura (Shebib) Hanna.
Peter is survived by his wife of 55 years, Rose (Flannigan) Hanna; son, Ron (Lisa Keiley), Fredericton, NB; daughters, Nancy (Bill) Somers, Lawrencetown, Nadine (Blaise Mombourquette) Hanna and Catherine (Mickey) Daye, Sydney; stepson, Sean (Kelly Dean) Flannigan, Albert Bridge; grandchildren, Justin, Matthew, Brandon, Ashleigh, Joey, Erin, Billy, Tyler, Logan, Connor, Luke, Katlin and Liam; great-grandchildren, Chinaza, Kosi and Edie; brothers, Davy (the late June) Hanna; sisters, Theresa (the late Jack) Decourcy and Marina (the late John) Cann; sisters-in-law, Josephine Hanna, Betty Ann (John) MacNamara and brother-in-law, Gerald (Yvonne) Flannigan.
Besides his parents, Peter was predeceased by his brothers, John, Billy and sisters-in-law, Cynthia Hanna and Helen Flannigan.
Peter will be fondly remembered for his commitment to the Cape Breton running circuit and as a mentor to many runners who fondly call him, ‘The Godfather’. He enjoyed traveling across Canada and the U.S. running half marathons, full marathons and Ironmans. Peter was honored for completing the Cabot Trail Relay twice, running 34 legs.
Peter was kind in thoughts and deeds, always there to lend a helping hand. He took great care of all of us. He especially enjoyed his grandchildren, who he was affectionately known as ‘Poppy’.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the cancer centre who looked after Peter for the past five years. A special thank you to Fr. Paul Murphy for his visits and to Dr. Ann Frances D’Intino, all the doctors, nurses and staff at Hospice Cape Breton for the love and care provided to Peter over the past 4 weeks.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Peter may be made to Hospice Cape Breton, Holy Redeemer Building Fund or a charity of one’s choice.
Visitation for the late Peter Hanna will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home, Whitney Pier, 1092 Victoria Rd. (entrance on Church Street) from 2-7 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023. Memorial Mass will be celebrated in Holy Redeemer Church, Whitney Pier on Sunday, June 11, 2023, at 2 p.m. with Fr. Paul Murphy officiating. Interment will take place Resurrection Cemetery, Sydney Forks.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
Peter, may you rest in peace. I will always remember our Saturday morning runs, some of them just the two of us, in minus twenty temperatures, and worse with a windchill.
Always I will remember your route from Sydney on Rt4 dropping off alternators at those mechanical garages. Peter, you could do a brake job in a jiffy.
Yes you were much more than a runner and you will be missed for being a real friend.
Our deepest condolences to Rose, and family.
From: Wayne LeBlanc and Marielle
Condolences to Nadine and family members on hearing of Peters passing. Peter was a true inspiration to young athletes.
From: Paul & Colleen Mombourquette
We would like to send our deepest sympathy to Cathy and Mickey Daye and family on the passing of her father, and to the boys, on their loss of their Poppy.
From: Patricia and David MacLeod
Nadine & Family so sorry to hear of your dad passing may all your wonderful memories get you through this most difficult time you are in my thoughts and prayers All my Love From: Yvonne Le Jeune
So sorry for your loss 😔 Sending much strength and hugs to the family.
RIP Uncle Peter 🙏 xo
From: Diane Hanna-O’Brien
We are truly so sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. Such a sweet gentleman. He was our neighbor when we lived on Railroad street (the Bennett family)
From: Joan C Macintosh
I was saddened to read about Peter’s death – please accept my deepest sympathy during this difficult time. My prayers are with all of you.
Sincerely,
From: June (Hanna) Cox
Peter was a great old soul that loved and lived life to the fullest! He shall be missed!
From: Randy Lucas
To the Hanna Family, our condolences to all of you on the loss of Pete. A kind man with a caring soul ~ RIP
Deepest sympathy to all the family. He was inspiring for his faithfulness as a runner and a family man.
Sending our sincerest condolences, love and hugs to all of Peter’s family. Peter was a wonderful man and he and Rose always made us feel welcome whenever we all came together. He had a great sense of humour and smile and the love for his family was plain to see. We will miss him and will miss seeing him running along the streets of Whitney Pier. Such a tremendous loss to his family, the running community and to all that had the pleasure of knowing him. Today and always may all of your wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Rest Easy Peter.
My thoughts and most sincere sympathies are extended to all family members and friends. One of Whitney Pier’s finest. A class act through and through. In runninbg circles, he was the “man”. Til we meet again my good friend. I’ll miss ya big time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.
Rose and Family
Sorry to hear of Peters passing. My husband worked with Peter at Center 200 bartending during hockey games and special events. He spoke very highly of Peter and had many laughs. Praying God gives you the strength you need during this difficult time. God bless
Rose & Family:
So sorry for your loss.
May all your treasured memories help you through this difficult time.
Sincere Condolences
:
Rose & Family:
So sorry for your loss.
May all your treasured memories help you through this difficult time.
Sincere Condolences
Anne Marie MacAskill
:
So sorry to hear about peter he was long time running buddy for my husband Stanley Nicholson our prayers are with the family
Thoughts and Prayers to the family during this difficult time. My sincere Condolences..
Rose, Theresa, and extended Family;
My deepest sympathies on the loss of Peter. My heart goes out to you and your loved ones. Peter always had a wealth of information and advice for new runners. I will always remember the monthly practice runs up Kelly’s Mountain in the winter, rain, or fog with Peter, Archie MacDonald, and Jack Lively.
Although Peter will be up in heaven looking down on us with a smile. We will continue to “move forward, step by step” as Peter would often say. However, his spirit will continue to live on in our hearts. We will continue to feel his presence and his hand on our shoulder, pushing us forward, as we climb those mountains. He will be there to whisper to us those little bits of advice that he gave so freely.
Love and Prayers,
Walter MacNeil
Such a terrible loss for the family, friends, and the Pier community. I remember so many times I would see him running over the years when I lived home. He truly was always out there, rain or shine. Such determination. Prayers, hugs, and love to Mrs. Hanna and Nadine and Nancy.
Sending sincere condolences to all of Peter’s family during this most difficult time. A wonderful man with a great smile and so much determination for the love of running, admirable. Always so upbeat and kind with a willingness to lend a hand when needed. A loss for not only the running community but for everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Rose and family my deepest condolences so sorry for your loss
Sending my sincere condolences to Peters family on their loss. I worked with Peter at Cape Breton Chrysler , we shared the same workbench .I recall when Peter started running, and like everything Peter did he put all his energy into doing it well. He was always kind and helpful to everyone. I am grateful that I met Peter recently and we had a great chat .
RIP Peter I am sure you will run through the pearly gates
Jim Roche
My sincere condolences to the Hanna Family.
Peter was a lovely man. He loves his family. He would talk about them when we would see each other. Always a kind word to say when he would stop and talk with me on the road in the Pier or at work in the Sydney Shopping Center.
Rose knew my grandmother, Lucy Fitzgerald. We talked often when she & Peter were in the mall.
My deepest condolences to Rose and Peters Family. Peter was a special friend to my Wife Trudy Joseph and spent time with us often. He will be dearly missed. Rest in peace Sir.
My sincere condolences to aunt Rose and family. Peter was an awesome uncle and person. RIP Peter.
Deepest sympathy to the family &
friends of Peter.💔
He will be missed.💐💐💐💐💐
Godspeed.
Hanna Family:
Sincere sympathy to all the family on your tremendous loss.
Our thoughts and prayers being sent at this difficult time.
Rose & family,
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.. I have warm memories of Pater from my childhood. I know he will be dearly missed.
To Rose and family I send my condolences. There are no words at times like this but know my thoughts are with you.
My deepest condolences to family and friends. Peter was such a wonderful kind man and was so interested in everything and everybody around him and had such a tremendous love of life. He will be missed by everyone at Polar Bear Beach ❤️
Our sincere condolences to Nadine and the Hanna family for your loss & we are thinking of you at this most difficult time. Peter was such an inspiration for many in the community and his passion for life/family will be missed.