MELVIN (UNCLE PETE) DENNIS OXENHAM

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MELVIN (UNCLE PETE) DENNIS OXENHAM On Saturday, August 9, 2008, Peter Oxenham, of Winnipeg, MB, died at the age of 92 years. A memorial gathering will be held Sunday, August 31 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Beausejour Legion, located at 300 Veterans Lane (near SunGro Centre) in Beausejour, MB. He has been predeceased by many family and friends including his father Dennis; mother Ellen; brother John in infancy; sisters, Hilda Stairs and Doris Meakins; and nephew Dennis Meakins. Pete's true love was his dog Barney . Pete is survived by his six nieces, four nephews and many friends. Pete was born in Winnipeg on November 5, 1915. He grew up in Winnipeg and has held many jobs. He served in the Military during the Second World War. This is when he earned the nickname Pierre because of his thin body and French looking black moustache. Later, Pierre turned to Peter then Pete when everyone realized he was not French. He was more than happy to be a military man and when he was injured, he left active duty. He began a career as a boiler maker apprentice and that evolved into a career in the hotel industry in British Columbia. He was an original Mr. Handyman , serving as Maintenance, Bartender and anywhere else required. He returned to Manitoba after he retired in 1982 and spent a few years living in Sundown. He then moved into the St. Vital area and then to the Deer Lodge Centre. With his extremely clear mind, he worked on projects and ideas. He tried to build anything that would make his daily life easier. Pete had a passion for life. His greatest joy was his extended families he created everywhere he travelled. He was proud of his sisters Hilda and Doris and all of their families. He spent his near 30 retirement years sharing all of his life's bounties of treasures. He loved living in the country and spent countless hours reminiscing about the good ol'days in British Columbia and he would often say, I've made many mistakes and wish I had done better. Pete was loyal to the Canadian Legion and will be remembered with love and sadly missed by all who knew him. He is the last of his generation for our family. Interment will be later in British Columbia. If friends and family so desire, contributions to the Deer Lodge Hospital are encouraged. They did a wonderful job caring for him throughout the years. Please send expressions of sympathy to RememberPete@mts.net.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 13, 2008