Peter Hann
OP 1959
9 August 1942 - 19 December 2023

With our thanks to Peter's widow, Alison

On 19 December 2023, Peter Hann passed away peacefully at Peace Arch Hospital, White Rock, B.C. Peter was born in Portsmouth, UK, on 9 August 1942.

Upon leaving The Portsmouth Grammar School Peter embarked on his lifelong career in the food industry. As a Sales Representative for Clarnico, a British confectionery company, Peter navigated his territory through the streets of London selling their famous Mint Creams and popular candies.

Peter emigrated to North America and in the mid-1960s made his way to Canada, becoming a proud Canadian Citizen in August 1972. His first job was as a Sales Rep for Lifesavers Canada based in Vancouver. This sales position required him to travel the Province of British Columbia calling on retail outlets as far north as Prince George. With a station wagon packed with cases of the 30+ flavours of Lifesavers he mastered the challenges of selling, promoting and in-store displays. An additional bonus for Peter was meeting other travelling Sales Reps and discovering Beautiful British Columbia along the way.

In 1974 Peter was transferred to Toronto and promoted to National Sales Manager for Lifesavers Canada and thus began his management career. A few years later returning to Vancouver Peter became the Western Sales Manager for Beecham Canada.

The world of Specialty Food Imports began in 1985 as Peter took on the role as Western Sales Manager for Koffman Foods based in Richmond, B.C. Over the following years, he was employed by several food importers and brokers. Attending many Trade Shows both in Europe and the US, Peter gained insight into food manufacturing, logistics and importing, acquiring many friends and business contacts on his travels. 

In September 2000 Peter and his wife, Alison, founded Cross Country Marketing. Working with Husky Food Importers and Distributers and representing several smaller Importers Peter worked closely with the buying team at London Drugs. Over subsequent years an extensive range of everyday and seasonal European imported products were introduced to consumers.

It was a regular question to Peter “when are you going to retire?” He would always say that for the most part his work was like a hobby. He enjoyed the challenges and working from home allowed for a good work/life balance. 

Peter is survived by Alison, his loving wife of 42 years, daughter Katherine (Leeland), son Mark (Heather) and beloved grandchildren Alexis, Isaac, Nora, Henry and Colton.