PETER HEINRICH PETERS

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PETER HEINRICH PETERS Peacefully on April 5, 2009 Peter Heinrich Peters, aged 65, passed away in Qualicum Beach, BC. He will be deeply missed by Wendy, his wife of 41 years, daughter Leanne of Brandon, MB and son Mark (Alison Fraser) of Winnipeg, MB. Also left to mourn his death are brothers Jake, Ed and Herb (Phyllis) Peters and sisters Selma (Franz) Pauls, Tina Isaac and many other extended family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Liese Peters, sisters Mary Solnik, Helen Peters and Alice Wiebe. Peter was born on December 7, 1943, and grew up on a farm in southern Manitoba about 12 miles southeast of Morris. Peter attended the local school close to the farm and was later sent to Mennonite Collegiate Institute in Gretna, MB to complete high school. According to Peter, the only good thing about the place was the fact that I was able to sing in three choirs. Upon finishing high school, Peter was intent on going to Winnipeg in search of a job. He began working at Canadian Oil Company in the mailroom, and later at Gestetner. Soon after, he applied for a job with the Winnipeg Police Service where he began as a Constable on August 31, 1964. After walking the beat for two years Peter was transferred to the Traffic Division where he had his dream job of being paid to ride a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Peter's career continued in the fraud, major crimes, and intelligence sections as a Detective and Detective Sergeant until his retirement on March 4, 1995. Among many career accomplishments Peter was the founding member of the Canadian Police Combat Association. On June 10, 1962, upon confession of his faith, Peter was baptized at the Lichtenauer Mennonite Church in St. Elizabeth, MB by Rev. N. Unruh. Peter married Wendy on October 14, 1967 at First Mennonite Church in Winnipeg. He and Wendy had two children, Leanne and Mark. Peter was an original member of the Winnipeg Police Choir where he sang for 25 years. He also sang with the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir and in the First Mennonite Church choir. After he and Wendy moved to Qualicum Beach, BC, Peter sang in the Knox United Church Choir until this past fall when he became ill. He took great delight in singing and would practice faithfully around the house and in the yard. He always had a song in his head. Peter's musical abilities extended to the alto saxophone which he picked up in the late 80s. Peter played mostly by ear and eventually took lessons. He joined the Westwood Community Band in Winnipeg where he played and served as president for many years. Peter pursued many hobbies over the years including photography, fishing and golfing. In October 1995, Peter and Wendy sold their home in Winnipeg and moved to Almost Heaven - better known as Qualicum Beach, BC. There Peter enjoyed his retirement years pursuing his hobbies, perfecting his golf swing, and sharing his laugh with all he met. He had an insatiable curiosity and the Internet opened up a whole new world for him to explore. He loved to research and never failed to share what he learned with family, friends and nearby strangers. Peter also enjoyed many vacations including family trips to both coasts, Florida, many fishing trips, a trip to Japan and travels with Wendy to Hong Kong, Rio De Janeiro, Hawaii, Mexico, and Thailand. Peter will be deeply missed by the family and friends he leaves behind. Donations in his memory may be made to the BC division of the Canadian Cancer Society. www.cancer.ca. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 1:30 p.m. at Knox United Church, 345 Pym St. in Parksville, BC with Rev. F. Freed officiating.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 07, 2009