PETER ENNS, M.D.

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

PETER ENNS, M.D. It is with sad but grateful hearts that we announce the death of our dear Peter on Saturday, January 19, 2008. Reaching home after an exciting symphony concert, with keys in hand, Peter collapsed on the front walk and died instantly. It was bitterly cold. During Russia's turbulent years Peter was born to his parents, Peter and Agathe Enns on November 14, 1917. Peter lived in Russia until starting school. When the family emigrated to Mexico in 1924, he once again started school. A good year later, the family left Mexico, this time for Canada, where once more he was placed in grade one! Circuitously, he arrived at his graduation from the Manitoba Faculty of Medicine in 1948. Peter had a very busy family practice and honoured his patients. He was well liked and enjoyed working within the medical community, especially at the Concordia Hospital, where he was Medical Director for some time. Peter gave generously of his time, quietly volunteering as a board or committee member for numerous organizations. He enjoyed 23 years of retirement. Peter was a passionate man of interesting complexity: an ardent golfer at Pine Ridge for many years (he achieved two holes in one and a birdie at the old St. Andrews golf course in Scotland!), a curler at Rossmere, an actor also known to give poetry recitals, a frequent attendee at theatre, ballet and musical concerts, a jogger (and Manitoba Marathon finisher in 1980), walker and cyclist. Peter greatly enjoyed his regular outings with his pals, which included mini golf, poker and chess. These were his abiding interests. You would enter at your own risk to engage him in philosophical rhetoric. His reading was eclectic, always loving a long Russian novel. His pancakes became legendary and he mended his own socks. Though he was so grounded in his day-to-day disciplines, his mind was teeming with classical and lyrical poetry of yesteryear, both English and German, which he recited to himself through many a sleepless night, as well as in the company of intimate friends. He who hath braved Youth's dizzy heat dreads not the frost of age, (Landor) is a line he often quoted. Lately, during the last little while, this did not quite apply as his encroaching frailty caused him frustration. Attending MTC's bittersweet production of Fiddler on the Roof was certainly a highlight not only of his many years of theatre attendance with dear friends, but also a highlight of his last week of life. Left to remember him fondly are Selma (nee Enns), wife of 62 years, son Kurt (Gail) of Winnipeg, son Philip (Christine) of Sidney, BC; grandchildren Ashley and Brad of Winnipeg and Eva of Stanford, CA; sister Helen Spratt (Peter); brothers-in-law Sig (Vera), John (Martha), Harry (Eleanor), and Henri (Marie) and sister-in-law Irene. Peter was predeceased by his sister Agathe Penner (Henry) and brothers John (Agnes) and Henry (Elizabeth); brother-in-law Ernie and sister-in-law Marlies Friesen (Horst). He has left many nieces and nephews and friends. Respecting Peter's wishes, there will be no funeral service, but let's all take a cup of kindness yet . . . a Manhattan will do, his favourite cocktail. A private family celebration of Peter's life will take place at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Fear no more the heat o' sun, Nor furious winter's rages; Thou thy worldly task hast done, Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages, Golden lads and girls all must, As chimney sweepers, come to dust. ~ Shakespeare

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 26, 2008