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PETER VAN WENT
Born: Jan 22, 1941
Date of Passing: Sep 02, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryPETER VAN WENT
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Peter Van Went on September 2nd at the age of 82 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Peter is survived by his beloved Dianne, his children Crystal, Wendy, Tony, Larry (Sherri), Janny, Dianne’s children, Lyall (Gail), Lisa (Bradley), brother Nick, sister Cathy (Evert), his 13 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, the mother of his children, Lorna Eastcott, and many dear friends.
Born in 1941 to Nicolaas (Nick) and Catharina (Cathy) Van Went in Leiden, Peter’s life began in the midst of war-torn Holland. Some of his fondest and earliest post-war memories include performing as a young acrobat alongside his dad and uncles in the circus.
In 1958, the Van Went family immigrated to Canada, eventually settling in Winnipeg. It was around this time that Peter married Lorna and started a family. Peter’s first job in Winnipeg was at Champ’s Chicken (where he even met the Colonel), but his first meaningful work in Winnipeg was at Stewart N King as an optical technician. Peter went on to become a power engineer and eventually obtained his 2nd class power engineering certificate. He worked the power plants at East West Packers, Campbell’s Soup in Portage la Prairie, the Selkirk Mental Institute, and finished out this chapter at City Central in Winnipeg.
Peter had many careers during his lifetime, but art and cycling were always his passions. In 1990, Peter graduated from the University of Manitoba with his Bachelor of Fine Arts alongside his son Larry. Peter was a member of the Winnipeg Sketch Club and an avid participant of a cycling group in Winnipeg. He was fortunate enough to travel the world with Dianne through the travel agency they once ran. And together they spent 10 wonderful winters in Yuma, Arizona. There, they adopted his last and possibly favorite dog, Chica.
According to his wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held on September 23rd from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Belgium Club, upper 407 Provencher Blvd.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the staff on unit 3E at Deer Lodge Centre for their kindness and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s honor may be made to Parkinson Canada.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2023
Condolences & Memories (4 entries)
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I remember as a child, visiting my Dad at the Power House and meeting Peter. He helped me out on a high-school art project, which I still have to this day. He was always kind and friendly to all 3 of us and never seemed to mind when Dad would take us around and do his checks while on shift. My condolences to the entire family. - Posted by: Melanie Beaudoin (Daughter of co-worker) on: Sep 23, 2023
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I did alot of cycling over the years with Peter. Will always be remembered as a kind and gentle soul. Condolences to Dianne and extended family - Posted by: Cornelia (Cycle buddy) on: Sep 10, 2023
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I worked with Peter on shift for many years and really respected him for his experiences. He had compassion and concern for workers and those who were in difficult circumstances due to his experiences as a youth in Holland during WWII and after that. He was a great artist and his wide perspective and education made him an interesting person to spend long hours with him on nightshift. My condolences to Dianne and all of his family. We his friends and fellow workers will all miss him. Jim - Posted by: Jim Vickers (co-worker) on: Sep 09, 2023
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Our deepest condolences Vern and Agnes Schroeder - Posted by: Agnes Schroeder (Friend) on: Sep 09, 2023
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