PETER PERCH

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PETER PERCH
July 5, 1934 - April 17, 2020

On April 17, 2020, this world lost a larger than life husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend at the age of 85 years. Peter passed peacefully to join his loving heavenly family.
He was predeceased by his mother and father, Mary and Nicholas Perch; wife of 38 years, Mary; siblings, Mike, Mary, Ann, John and Ed; as well as many cherished relatives and dear friends. Peter is survived by his wife Dulcie; children, Debbie (John), Gary and Wendy; brother Nick (Ceese); sister Louise; grandchildren, Courtney (Jamit), and Adam (Lexis); and great-grandchildren, Phoebe and Cecilia, as well as many treasured nieces and nephews.
On July 5, 1934, Mary and Nicholas Perch, newly emigrated from Ukraine to Canada, welcomed Peter, the sixth of eight children on their farm in Pine Ridge, Manitoba. His eyes were piercingly blue and his grin betrayed the tough exterior he often bore, revealing a loving, generous heart and a razor sharp wit. The Perch family farm was a home that fostered honesty, a strong work ethic, kindness and generosity. It was also a home filled with laughter and fun, whether it was playful banter or a well-played prank. Peter and his siblings were first and foremost, one another's best friends. Right up until his final days, Peter spoke with his brother, Nick and his sister, Louise, daily and relished in their deep and abiding love and friendships.
Growing up on the farm, Peter formed a bond with the land that grew into a lifelong passion for gardening, whether it was tending to his own garden or that of his children and grandchildren. Peter adored all creatures, great and small, and loved to reminisce about the family horses, Diamond and Pearl, and his dog Trixie.
As a young boy, Peter's days were filled with school and working on the family farm. On the weekends, he served as an alter boy at Immaculate Conception Church in Cooks Creek, and played round upon round of golf at Pine Ridge Golf Club. Peter began as one of the club's youngest caddies and he so excelled at the sport, he won the caddies tournament in 1948, at the age of 14. His passion for the sport thrived as long as his body allowed and in his prime, he played as a scratch golfer. Peter's love for sport extended beyond golf to curling and baseball, both sports in which he excelled and won numerous tournaments when representing the Winnipeg Police on a national level.
Peter was also gifted musically. He sang in the church choir for many years and hearing his beautiful voice singing Ukrainian hymns and Christmas carols is one of the things his family will miss the most. Peter loved to play his harmonica and boasted quite the collection of them. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember what it felt like to be bounced on his knee as he entertained them. Those moments of pure joy were just one of his many gifts to us for which we'll forever be grateful.
Peter's law enforcement career began when he joined the Transcona Police in 1956. He was dedicated, astute and had a mind like a steel trap. He was well-loved and highly respected by his colleagues and quickly rose through the ranks, eventually retiring from the Winnipeg Police as Sargent of Detectives.
Peter's family was his greatest passion and his time with them was what he most cherished. No child left from a visit without a bag or envelope filled with treats. Sometimes it was cookies and sometimes it was the perfect kubasa, hand-selected from his favourite deli, but it always came with a special note, in a tiny envelope, bursting with love. Finding his notes scattered throughout our homes as years pass, will be a constant reminder of the legacy of love he leaves behind.
Over the past number of years, Peter faced many health challenges with courage and an undeterred will to survive. We thank God for bringing him the peace he so deserved and for the time we had with him.
We would also like to thank Dr. Paul Chochinov, as well as the many other doctors, nurses and health care professionals that contributed to Peter's care.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you consider making a donation in Peter's memory to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada.
A family service will be held at a later date.

Peter, Dad, Grandpa, Gigi -
You are deeply loved and
will never be forgotten.
May God bless you and keep you safe.

Publish Date: May 2, 2020

PETER PERCH
July 5, 1934 - April 17, 2020

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Peter Perch, announces his peaceful passing on Friday, April 17, 2020, at the age of 85.
Thanks to the tremendous compassion of the staff at Riverview Health Centre, Peter passed with family at his side.
Full obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Apr 21, 2020

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 21, 2020, May 02, 2020