Peter Elvin George Hamm

Peter Elvin George Hamm was born on 27 May 1943 in Steinbach, Manitoba, to Ben and Tina (Kay) Hamm. He passed away peacefully on Monday, 23 February 2026, at the age of 82.

The majority of Dad’s childhood was spent in Steinbach growing up with his four siblings. He was second-born (after his sister) and the oldest of four boys. As a boy, he hauled water for next-door neighbours, sold jelly powder door-to-door for the Veri Best Company (at the ripe old age of six), and memorized many Bible verses to earn a free week at summer camp. He also claimed to have memorized “every license plate in town.” After Dad graduated from high school, his family moved to Winnipeg. He had been involved in the retail food business for years, starting in Steinbach, then in Winnipeg, and eventually in Boissevain. It was there, while managing Tom Boy Foods, that he met Pamela. They were married in 1971. Eventually, they moved to Brandon where they built a house and started a family. Son, Nathan, was adopted in 1977, daughter, Brenda, was born in 1979. Throughout their time in Brandon, Dad worked at North Hill IGA, West End IGA, and finally Stan’s (IGA) Fine Foods (where he managed the Keystone Farmer’s Market) until his retirement. Dad was a ‘numbers guy’ and liked to be involved. In addition to helping organize many church golf tournaments and curling bonspiels, and occasionally teaching Sunday School, Dad served on several boards, often as treasurer, including their church board, and the board of Christian Heritage School. He was also a member of the Conservative Party, and volunteered as a scrutineer for numerous municipal and federal elections on voting day. Peter and Pam were also involved in the Amway business, which afforded them opportunities to travel and establish some lifelong friends; they made trips to Hawaii, California, Florida, Mexico, and Jamaica – anywhere with sun and a beach! Eventually, Nathan and Brenda grew up and moved away – Nathan to Ontario, and Brenda to Washington after her marriage to Luke. In 2007, Dad & Mom’s first granddaughter, Anja was born. They spent almost a month visiting in Maine, touring around the East Coast in between baby snuggles. In 2009, Luke & Brenda moved back to Manitoba, shortly before their second daughter, Adrienne, was born. Dad & Mom were thrilled to have their granddaughters living in easy driving distance and made frequent trips to stay the night or just spend a day with their girls. They were married 40 years until Pam’s passing in 2011.

In 2013, Dad married Melissa Kusela. He sold the family home in Brandon and joined her in Winnipeg, quickly making friends at church who also lived in the same condo building as they did, joining the condo board and a senior men’s curling league. Dad & Melissa enjoyed 12 years together, taking several trips – a cruise in Hawaii, and their favourite – a river cruise along the Danube with good friends Gord & Marie; and of course, spending as much time as they could with Anja & Adrienne.

In 2019, Dad was diagnosed with dementia. He was good-natured about his cognitive decline, and still loved to get together with friends for coffee and a visit, to play games, or go for ice cream. In 2023, Dad was moved to Bethania Personal Care Home in Winnipeg, where he received the best care! He was beloved by many of the staff and loved them right back, as often as he could, with a smile or a ‘helping’ hand.

Peter was predeceased by his first wife, Pamela, his parents, sister, and three brothers. He is survived by his second wife, Melissa, son Nathan, and daughter Brenda, her husband Luke, and their two daughters, Anja and Adrienne.

Funeral service will be held at McDiarmid Drive Alliance Church, Brandon, MB on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 1:00pm, with a viewing to take place prior to the service starting at 12noon.