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Hans MAHNKE Obituary
Born in Germany, during WW2, and being raised in the Bronx after immigrating, he was a man of the world and the streets.
Affectionately known as the "Captain" and the unofficial Mayor of Browne's Addition, he was a local legend and known raconteur who never shied away from the adventures to be found in life.
Pete found comfort and joy in being an exceptional sailor, for many years keeping his boat, Epee, at the Bitter End Marina in Bayview, ID. He followed his dreams in retirement and voyaged off to sail single handedly around the world. Though his dream was cut short when his boat sank and the US Coast Guard airlifted him to safety, he delighted in sharing the stories of a life very well lived. He served as an inspiration to all who knew him that life is for the living, that adventures can always be had, lighthearted pranks are worth playing, authority should always be challenged, and that beauty, dance, and poetry are existential.
He was the best friend to his grandson, Bradyn, and his daughter, Petra. His legacy of being unstoppable in life and finding joy on the water will remain with them both.
Pete is survived by his daughters, Petra Mahnke and Lara Gibb; and his three grandchildren, Caitlin, Abby, and Bradyn; as well his sister, Ingrid.
In lieu of services, the family invites any in the community to go walk the docks at any marina nearby. Listening to the water and feeling the breeze is where we can best find the spirit of Pete.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hans MAHNKE
2 Entries
Rose Martinez
July 23, 2024
Sailor Pete was so many things for me in my life but above all he was my best friend and cheerleader. He was the first one to give me a stage when I took up acting in Spokane and together we threw a benefit show for Make A Wish foundation. I was studying my lines at The Rocket Bakery one afternoon and he was talking with another thespian about how he, "...just needed someone who could read poetry on stage!" To which I loudly butted in a replied, "I can do it!" The rest as they say is history. The show was a success and our friendship even more so. He was the last person I sat with on my Browns Addition porch before I set off to San Francisco to pursue my dreams of acting in the big city and he was always the first person I saw whenever I returned for the holidays. His stories of adventures and deep love and knowledge of the arts were an inspiration to me and now will be cherished forever in my heart and shared for as long as I live. I will never be able to replace the space that he filled in my heart. Regretfully I never shared with him a final poem I had written in his honor but to end on a few of its lines, it read:
Sailor Pete
Don´t call him sweet.
Give him coffee, cigarettes and meat.
A sailor who makes laughter without being funny.
Gloomy days in his wake become sunny.
Talking of symphonies, boats and ballet.
Hans, one hell of a man, what more can I say?
Hope to see you again soon Sailor.
All my love,
Rose
Ed Hoffman
July 22, 2024
To all of Pete's family,
I am very sorry to learn of the passing of a really great guy. I met Pete for the first time at Rocket Bakery at 1st and Cedar. I was the Senior Chaplain for the Spokane Police Department at the time and he engaged me in conversation. Pete was always friendly and a good spirited gentleman. I remember him telling me the story of his bike being stolen, only to have the guy that stole it made it a couple of blocks before an SPD Officer stopped the thief and Pete's bike was returned to him. A loss to your family for sure and to our community as a whole. May Pete always be fondly remembered.
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