Lewis Peter Hanke, born Sept. 6, 1935, passed away the morning of Dec. 28, 2021, in peace, at home. Peter was a farmer, sailor, pilot, dreamer, most of all a loving husband of 65 years and a great father to two wonderful children.
Peter grew up on Salt Spring Island, where his grandfather, Lewis P. Larsen, created a beautiful, sustainable farm in the Fulford Valley on Burgoyne Bay. Peter and Sue moved there in 1957, planning to start a family and spend the rest of their lives turning the farm into a productive venture. Pete Jr. was born there.
When Peter’s grandfather died, life changed and they moved to Sunnyside, Wash., where Peter farmed alfalfa seed and mint. Their daughter, Jenny, soon came along. Ever the dreamer, he eventually broke in raw ground from sagebrush and created the first successful apple orchard in the lower Yakima Valley known as the Rattlesnake Ranch.
During these years he also extended his interests in sailing and flying. Because of his friendship with the late boatbuilder, Frank Prothero, he was able to purchase the gaff-rigged schooner “Alcyone,” and worked with Frank finishing the interior. She provided many years of cruising British Columbia, the Inside Passage, and Queen Charlotte Islands. Peter created a beautiful film of being on Anthony Island amid giant totems in the early ’70s. These years were filled with memories of the family cruising with dear friends (including Ernie and Dodie Gann — and even John Wayne).
During these years Peter and Sue had settled in Port Townsend, Peter had created Sweet Jenny Orchard, an apple gift pack business. Christmas time found them packing apples from what is now the Port Townsend Athletic Club. In the summer months, they chartered Alcyone, resulting in many lasting friendships.
In 1985, Peter and Pete started a tour-boat excursion service to the San Juan Islands, with the hope of creating a passenger-only ferry service on Puget Sound. This eventually grew into what is known today, Puget Sound Express, which Pete, Sheri, Christopher and Sarah still operate in Point Hudson.
In 1991 Peter and Sue began a 13-year career in Alaska working with native corporations. During the summer months Peter would manage tour boats based throughout Alaska. While working for Chilkat Tours, Peter had the opportunity to design and build the fast catamaran, Chilkat Express. Eventually Puget Sound Express brought her to PT. Throughout these years they gained many enduring friendships; Peter eventually was adopted into the Chilkat Tlingit Tribe in Klukwan, Alaska.
Jenny had moved to Halfway, Oregon, where she lived with Mark Terjeson and their three children. Peter and Sue traveled there frequently, and beyond in their ski racing years. Jenny was teaching in Sun Valley when she was diagnosed with colon-rectal cancer, after a courageous battle for two-plus years, she passed away in June 2021. She is deeply missed by all who knew and were encouraged by her bright spirit!
When Peter passed away after Christmas,’21, Sue, Pete, and his beloved grandchildren, Christopher, Sarah, Cora, Elise, and Haydon were there with him.
There will be a memorial service in March at Grace Church on Bainbridge Island (where Peter and Sue have attended since 1999). Sue and the family deeply appreciate the many notes expressing love and support for Peter —Thank You!
