Peter Ernest Hanks
March 24, 1926 - January 22, 2020
Tribute
Our Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa was reunited with his dear wife, Pauline, on the morning of January 22nd. Peter Ernest Hanks lived a life of service, generosity, and care for those around him. He was born March 24, 1926 to Fred and Sadie Hanks in Maitland, Australia. Peter was the oldest sibling, followed by sister Jean, brothers Stewart and David, and then Elizabeth.
In 1942 Peter studied to become a ‘fitter and turner’ (or machinist). From an early age he enjoyed tinkering and working with his hands. Motorcycles, racing cars and movie projectionist work provided opportunity to do that. Peter and his friend, Colin McDonald (who later married Dad’s sister, Jean) volunteered with a small missionary organization helping with youth events and his desire for international missionairy work was ignited. In 1955, Peter travelled to India with World Evangelical Crusade (WEC) to attend language school.
During his training there he met a beautiful, young woman who caught his attention. A chaperone was needed to go with the women into the local villages and practice their language skills. Dad was happy to accompany Pauline and the girlfriend she was with. One thing led to another, and Peter and Pauline were married April 1957. For the next 2 years, Peter was involved in church planting, running of the dispensary and fixing every broken thing on the hillside. They were excited to welcome their first son, Graham, in April 1958 and then Neil in October 1959.
In 1961 they returned to Canada, Dad leaving WEC, and the family began to travel across North America raising financial support. TEAM (The Evangelical Alliance Mission) commissioned them as a couple, and the family returned to North India. Peter began working in radio program recording and continued to fix things. In 1968 Peter and Pauline moved to Western Nepal and took over the running of a hospital started by Dr Young, while Graham and Neil began boarding school at Woodstock School. Peter did all the maintenance work for the hospital, trained personnel, and walked 140 kms regularly into the closest town to purchase supplies. He chatted with villagers along the way, became well known with the government officials, and made friends everywhere he went.
Every five years the family took home assignments, the first being in Esperanza, BC, followed by Victoria, BC and the third in Shelton, WA, with a stop in Australia each time. In total, Dad spent 13 years working in India and 22 years in Nepal.
They returned to Canada in 1981 for Graham and Sheryl’s wedding and again in 1988 to celebrate the arrival of their first grandson, Jonathan, and Neil and Cheryl’s wedding. In 1989 the government asked Dad and Mom to leave Nepal and they returned to Abbotsford. They enjoyed the arrival of two more grandchildren when Bethany and Kimberly were born. Peter’s desire to return to Nepal lead the couple to take short trips back on visitors visas in 1990, 1991 and 1997 helping at the TEAM hospital and guest house.
When Dad and Mom settled permanently in Abbotsford they moved into AWANA Housing. Peter became busy volunteering with M2/W2 Prison Ministries, Helping Hands, and driving for Meals on Wheels. He also did small maintenance projects at Central Heights and attended numerous prayer meetings. When Pauline passed away in October 2012, Peter lived with each of his sons for a number of months and then moved into Menno Pavilion. He continued volunteering at Central Heights greeting people with a big smile every Sunday and duplicating sermons for those who could not attend church. Dad helped residents at Menno Pavilion providing rides, fixing things, talking with friends in the coffee bistro or lobby, and putting up bulletin announcements throughout the building. Peter enjoyed Sunday lunches with his family after church and the ongoing arrival of his 4 great grandchildren, Zander, Reylynn, Noah and the newest born in November, little Charlize. Dad was healthy to the end, he walked faithfully with God. and was ready for heaven to be with his Saviour and reunited with Pauline.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Far East Broadcasting Canada. For donations by mail, kindly send donation cheque (payable to FEBCanada) to # 3200 – 8888 Odlin Cres., Richmond, BC V6X 3Z8
or online at febccanada.com.
Condolences
Send a condolence, light a candle and/or share a memory, click "Send Condolence". Once your message has been approved by the moderator it will be posted to the website.
From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Ed dubland
Relation: Mission uncle
Uncle Pete was a favourite uncle His commitment to keeping all the mission equipment running was phenomenal and his incredible commitment to serving others
We look forward to meeting again
From: Sarah Southall (form McDonald)
Relation: Granddaughter of Colin and Jean McDonald
My thoughts go out to the family of Peter Hanks. How amazing is it that he is in glory with his beautiful wife and other loved family members such as my grandfather and grandmother (Colin and Jean McDonald)
In August 2019 I gave birth to a baby girl and named her Sadie Jean (after her great great grandmother and great grandmother)
From: Gerrit & Connie deJong
Relation: as a fellow volunteers with M2W2.
Sad to see you go pal and will miss you. I am blessed to have known you for some years as a fellow-volunteer at M2. God has blessed you as an agent of His Kingdom, and now you are with your Lord and Savior you have served in this life.
From: Janice (Kary) Paasuke
Relation: Uncle married to my mom's sister.
Uncle Peter was a beloved member of the Kary and Gibbs family through his marriage to Auntie Pauline. I know that my parents Ben and Thelma Kary and sisters Glenda and Deborah and Auntie Connie and Uncle Ken Gibbs were all there to greet you as you joined them in heaven. Family is a wonderful thing and I am personally grateful for all of your encouraging phone calls over the years. As your story has been posted I would say every line is true. You were a wonderful man of God and truly His servant and you have blessed many. Rest in Peace.
From: Victor Favrin, Michelle Favrin &Esperanza
Relation: Friends
We lost a great man who brought a lot of
joy to people’s hearts. Such a respectful kind loving person, helping people and contributing
to this world with all his love & respect for mankind
May God Bless you forever Peter🙏🏽🌸⛅️
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
February 3, 2020
Beginning at 1:00pm
Location:
Central Heights Church - Nikkel Hall
1661 McCallum Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
1661 McCallum Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Far East Broadcasting Canada. For donations by mail, kindly send donation cheque (payable to FEBCanada) to # 3200 – 8888 Odlin Cres., Richmond, BC V6X 3Z8
or online at febccanada.com.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
Donate In Memory
Send Condolence - For Peter Hanks
Use the form below to send a Condolence, light a memorial candle and/or share a personal memory.