It is with sadness that the family shares the passing of Peter Burnell Hancock following a diagnosis of melanoma.
Peter leaves his beloved wife, Jean, of 65 years, two adult children, David (Kimberly) of St. Charles, Illinois; Jennifer (Todd) of St. Albert; and four treasured grandchildren: Neal Hancock (Veronica), Craig Hancock (Melissa), Cian Murray, Brielle Murray; brother, Brian (Pamela) Hancock; sisters-in-law: Rosalie Hancock, Jane Hancock and many loved nieces and nephews in England and Canada.
Peter was predeceased by his parents Ethel and George Hancock; brothers: Bill Hancock, and David Hancock; Jean’s Parent’s, Helen and Duncan Hargrave.
Peter Burnell Hancock was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, England. It was the beginning of the dirty thirties and due to his father opening an electrical contracting business, the family moved to Deal, Kent located on the sea front with the ocean as his playground.
WWII came in 1939 and Peter’s three brothers and parents remained in Deal. As a boy, he witnessed the Deal fishermen evacuate troops from France at the time of Dunkirk. In order to avoid the shelling and keep family safe, Peter’s family moved 20 miles inland to Wye. As a youngster, Peter witnessed the Battle of Britain, the Blitz of Canterbury and the final onslaught of WWII.
Living in Wye, Peter earned a scholarship to Ashford Grammar School. It was during this time, that a Canadian family from Brooks, Alberta arrived in Wye and Peter at 16 met the love of his life, Jean. The sabbatical for Jean’s father at the London University went by quickly and the Canadian family returned home. Peter never let Jean go from his heart.
Peter, at the age 18 was called up for National Service in the Royal Air Force from 1950 – 1953 as a ground wireless mechanic and was posted to Germany. He then went on to be employed as a Radio Technician with the Ministry of Civil Aviation. He simultaneously, wrote his exams for the City of Guilds of London.
Peter planned a trip to Canada. The companies working The Dew Line were recruiting from Britain and Peter arrived in Canada, employed by Canadian Marconi. He married Jean in 1957 and they lived in Kippens and St. John’s, Newfoundland. In 1958, son David was born.
In 1961, it was decided that Peter would enroll at the University of Alberta. The family returned to Alberta (first to Edmonton and then settling in St. Albert).
He graduated from The University of Alberta in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. A daughter, Jennifer was born in 1968.
In 1971, Peter returned with his family to England and completed a Master of Science in Telecommunication Systems at the University of Es.
From 1965 – 1995, Peter served NAIT Telecom, filling all roles from inventory clerk to program head during a very interesting career. After 30 years at NAIT, Peter went on to consult and work with valued friends/colleagues at Cameron Labs.
Throughout his life in Alberta, soccer played an important role. Peter was an integral leader with St. Albert Soccer, Edmonton Minor Soccer and Alberta Soccer. He treasured his Life Memberships with the Alberta Soccer Association and The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).
Peter valued his family life with his children, his grandchildren (Neal, Craig, Cian and Brielle) and his many happy, married years. Peter always enjoyed puttering in his garage; fixing everything from clocks to toys. Working with anything electronic made Peter’s day! The simple things; like his garden, a good crop of ripe tomatoes, feeding the birds/squirrel, daily biscuit visits with the local dogs and the family corgis, brought happiness to Peter.
Peter wished to thank: friends for their love and support, Dr. Darryl LaBuick, the Grandin Clinic nurses: Jennah, Tia, Jessica, the Grandin Medical pharmacists, Nurse Ali, Nurse Susanne, and the adored daily nursing aids: Elsie, Iryna, Judy, Jean Marie, Orawan, Recheal, and Tashana.
Please join the family for Peter’s memorial service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at the St. Albert United Church, 20 Green Grove Drive, St. Albert.
Cremation has taken place; Jeanne will take Peter’s ashes home to Kent, England for burial in Brook Churchyard.
In lieu of floral tribute, donations in Peter’s memory may be made to Edmonton’s Cross Cancer Institute www.albertacancer.ca/donate/ or the St. Albert United Church stalbertunited.ca/donations/
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Peter Burnell Hancock PEng 2022..
Décès pour la Ville: Edmonton, Province: Alberta