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PETER GERHARD GIESBRECHT  Obituary pic

PETER GERHARD GIESBRECHT

Born: Jan 01, 1946

Date of Passing: Feb 15, 2016

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PETER GERHARD GIESBRECHT January 1, 1946 - February 15, 2016 Peter left this world he loved so much peacefully, with grace and dignity. He was a loving man, caring, humble and non-judgmental. He was a true gentleman, who always found time to lend a helping hand to others. Peter will be forever loved and remembered by his precious wife Verna; his children, Diane (Mike), Jeremy (Andrea), Jessica (Doug); grandchildren, Adam, Luke, Jamison, Vivian, siblings Vern (Anita), Art (Linda), Francis (Wayne) and Walter; and numerous nieces and nephews. Peter was an environmental engineer for many years and in 2005 he started his own business, which he successfully ran for the next decade. He was passionate about his family and had a zest for living, a thirst for knowledge and a curiosity for life and his fellow man. He was an eternal optimist and encouraged everyone around him to be positive and open to life's changes. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 19 at 11:00 a.m. at First Mennonite Church, 922 Notre Dame Avenue. A gathering of family and friends will follow. A private interment service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Society.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 19, 2016

Condolences & Memories (18 entries)

  • Very sad to hear of the passing of a cousin whom I did not have the pleasure of knowing, but with whom I do share a special birthday. Peter was obviously a true "Mensch" - my condolences to those who knew & loved him. - Posted by: Connie (Giesbrecht) Easto (first cousin) on: Feb 24, 2016

  • Very saddened to hear the news today of the loss of such a good man. The last time I saw Peter in 2015 he had nothing but positive and optimistic words to speak, despite the troubling diagnosis he was facing. His positivity, kindness, and concern for others was always at the forefront. My deepest condolences to Verna, Jessica, and family. Peter’s smile, warmth, and exceptional personality will live on in all our hearts. Dr. Manuel Resendes - Posted by: Dr. Manuel Resendes (Dentist and Friend) on: Feb 22, 2016

  • We're saddened by the passing of Peter and offer our sincere condolences to Verna and family, Vern and family, and Francis and family as well as other siblings. We'll always remember him for his great hugs warm personality. - Posted by: Lorne & Debbie Robson () on: Feb 22, 2016

  • I am very saddened by Peter's death. I had heard from some other Engineering friends that he was not well and when I had returned to Canada was going to contact him. Just too late. We had many good times together during our Engineering studies at the University of Manitoba. Over the years I touched base with him many times and he always had such an infectious sense of humour. It was delightful. Most vividly was my encounter with Peter and John Wonitoyee??? John lived near Anola near where I live and I always liked that caboose that was there. I helped them harvest potatoes one year which did not go too well. Peter always had some brilliant comment like we could dig them up without the tractor. It would have been a lot of work. He was such a good man and always positive. Don't know what more to say except I am greatly diminished by his passing. My thoughts are with his family. - Posted by: John England Kaye (Colleague) on: Feb 22, 2016

  • My heart aches at the loss of such an incredible person. I first met Peter when I started working at Manitoba Hydro in 1974. We quickly became friends, playing basketball together for several years and getting together for family vacations at Clear Lake. I was fortunate to work again with Peter at The National Testing Laboratories Limited where he managed the analytical chemistry and environmental engineering group. I recall attending many great parties on Wardlaw Avenue hosted by Peter and Verna. The annual Clear Lake vacation with the Giesbrechts (Peter & Verna, Vern & Anita) was always a highlight for our family – playing cribbage, tennis and golf, going on hikes and bike rides, and getting together for beverages. My sons have fond memories of Peter resting in his hammock at Clear Lake doing crosswords and singing the latest tunes. Peter and Verna always treated my sons as part of their family; the door to their cabin at Clear Lake was always open and there was always food and beverages provided to them. I will remember Peter as a very kind man with a warm smile and a love for life. My thoughts and prayers are with Verna and his family at this sad time. - Posted by: Don Flatt (Friend and colleague) on: Feb 20, 2016

  • Verna and family, sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Steve Cook () on: Feb 19, 2016

  • Peter was the type of person who would go out his way to accommodate our schedules. His work ethic and professionalism was admired and respected. He would always come on our job sites with a positive attitude and often greet us saying "wow, isn't this a great day". We are sadden by his passing. Peter we will miss you. - Posted by: Tom Brereton (Worked together on many projects.) on: Feb 19, 2016

  • We offer our condolences to Verna and the family. Our consulting engineering firm had the opportunity to work with Peter when he was at National Testing Laboratory and later when he was in his own business. We enjoyed working with Peter who was friendly, easy to work with and a true professional. He will be missed. - Posted by: Jerry Cousin (Friend through our consulting engineering services) on: Feb 19, 2016

  • My condolences to the family and friends of Peter. I had the privilege of working with Peter on a number of projects and his professionalism was evident. He was a man of integrity and will be missed. - Posted by: Gerry Enns (Colleaque ) on: Feb 19, 2016

  • Peter and his family and mine grew up together on McDermot street. Peter's mother, Aunt Katy and his brothers and sister were like a second family to me. I had no brothers and going to their house was always fun, It felt like home. In the summers we played baseball and football on the street and hockey in winter. Peter and I spent a great deal of time together growing up, I remember especially, us going to see the Winnipeg Goldeyes play baseball. When I married I had the honour of Peter being the best man at our wedding and never was that description more true. Me sincere condolences To his family and friends, he will be missed. - Posted by: John Giesbrecht (First cousin) on: Feb 19, 2016

  • Our sincere sympathy Verna and family, Peter was one of the friendliest people we ever knew. He was always ready to lend a hand or offer a kind word, he will be missed! - Posted by: Gordon and Sandra Artimowich (Friends) on: Feb 19, 2016

  • I had the privilege of working with Peter both when he was at National Testing Labs and later when he worked at his own business. A true professional and a gentlemen. My condolences to his family and friends. - Posted by: David Walsh (Colleague) on: Feb 18, 2016

  • Peter was a special man who passionately loved his wife, Verna... his family, his friends, and everyone he encountered in his life. He loved the creatures of God's world.....like no one we have ever known. His love was encompassing and sincere. Everyone was important to him and we all knew it by his generous hug and his warm smile. Our sympathies to his family .....from the bottom of our hearts. He will be loved and remembered forever. - Posted by: George and Carol Stuart (Friends) on: Feb 18, 2016

  • Gies was a wonderful guy, always laughing. A leader without trying to be. Life is so unfair to take a man who loved life so much. Sincere condolences to Verna and all his family. May God grant him eternal peace and rest. Angus, Patricia and all the Edghill family - Posted by: Angus Edghill, Barbados. (Friend since U of M days, Fellow U of M Engineer, Class of 1969.) on: Feb 18, 2016

  • My heart aches with sadness with the loss of a great man and wonderful human being.I felt privileged to call him my friend for over 35 years. He truly was a kind, thoughtful and loving person. If there was anything you ever needed, he was always there for you. Some people have a way of reaching out and touching the lives of others with warmth and caring and have a special gift for making others happy and he was one of those people. His passing has affected all who knew and loved him very deeply. My heart aches for his entire family. I know that Peter knows we who are left behind will be there for his precious Verna. Love Always, Gerri - Posted by: Geraldine Kuny (Friend) on: Feb 18, 2016

  • Our deepest sympathy Verna and family - we are so shocked and sorry for your loss. We'll remember Peters friendly, outgoing personality and kind spirit - he was one of a kind. - Posted by: Paul Janet Lamirande & Family (Friends) on: Feb 18, 2016

  • Uncle Peter truely was a great man. He always seemed to be in a good mood. Even when the neighbourhood kids were stealing veggies out if his garden. He will be missed. RIP - Posted by: Dave Peters () on: Feb 18, 2016

  • I had the pleasure of working with Peter on various projects, and always enjoyed his spirit and attitude. My condolences to his friends and family. - Posted by: Alana Fiks (Colleague) on: Feb 18, 2016

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