PETER SIMPSON

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PETER SIMPSON March 3, 1939 - August 15, 2011 Peacefully, on August 15, with family by his side, our father, grandfather, and friend Peter passed away in Carman. He is lovingly remembered by his children Lori (Terry), Karen (Danny) and Gordon (Gaby), grandchildren Alyssa, Faith, Alena, and Ryder, and ex-wife and still friend Pam; brothers Neville (Karen) and Art (Anne); stepson-in-law Paul (Jody) and family, Nicole, Caressa, Bailey, Jolene, Samantha, Brittany, and Tiffany, who called him Papa; numerous nieces and nephews, lifelong friend Hans, long-time friend Delores, as well as many other friends. Peter was born in England, and immigrated as a child with his family. Raised in Saskatchewan, he later moved to Winnipeg where he met and married Pam, operated a hair salon, and was a member of Kiwanis. He loved camping, and it was on such a trip he fell in love with the Carman area, eventually relocating there. Dad had a laugh that couldn't be ignored (as hard as his easily embarrassed children tried), often at his own jokes. He was a handy sort, converting an elderly bread truck into the family camper Bessie , and taking us anywhere he could find an electrical hookup. Determined that his kids wouldn't share his wife's nervousness about animals, he conspired with us to bring home a steady string of pets. Camping eventually centralized at Deerbank vacation farm, where we added livestock to our circle of animal acquaintances, while Dad dismantled cranky swathers to see if he could fix them (he could) and happily tooled around on an old tractor. After retirement, Dad stayed in Carman and found a new family at Parkview Manor, neighbors who appreciated his love of his gigantic old Bunn coffee maker, which became a bit of a family joke. Never one to complain, when his legs started giving him trouble he got a scooter that he talked about like a kid with his first car. Following his diagnosis, he did what he could to make it as easy as possible for everyone. Visits were laughter filled times, and he was able to joke and drink his coffee until the end. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the Carman Memorial Hospital for their care of both Peter and his family. If he had to end his life away from his home, then we can't think of anywhere warmer or more supportive. Dad chose to donate his remains to the University of Manitoba, hoping his gift might shed some light on the mysterious condition that had gradually taken his ability to walk easily. At his request, there will be no formal memorial. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer those who wish to acknowledge his life to make a donation to a favorite charity, or just tell the corniest joke you can think of. If Peter had had one last message, it would likely be.... Pull my finger.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 20, 2011