Peter GIESBRECHT

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GIESBRECHT: Peter George Giesbrecht of the Brandon University IT Department passed away on Saturday, March 12, 2011, in his 53rd year. He is survived by his wife Kathryn Giesbrecht (nee Walker); daughter Marina Hannappel; parents George and Eva Giesbrecht of Portage la Prairie; sister Irene Overton (Marc Price) of Winnipeg; brother David Giesbrecht (Crystal Hanson) of Nanaimo, B.C.; and nephew Chris Overton of Winnipeg. He was predeceased by an infant sister. Peter spent his formative years in Austin and High Bluff, Manitoba and graduated from Arthur Meighen School in Portage la Prairie. Following summer and part-time jobs with Campbell's Soup and McPhillips Cable during high school, Peter entered Brandon University, where he planned to become a teacher. Instead, he discovered his passion for computers and found his career in the university's IT Department. There he endeared himself to students, staff and faculty with his patience, guidance and humour. As he generously shared his expertise and rose to the position of Coordinator, User Services, Peter became, informally, the teacher he had set out to be. Peter also served his Brandon University colleagues as union steward and, ultimately, MGEU Local 135 President, a role in which he gained respect as a fair, professional and competent leader. Peter attained his greatest happiness, however, when he found his soul-mate in Kathryn, whom he married in April, 2006. This marriage gave him the added joy of a daughter, Marina. Although their time together was far too brief, his brightest legacy lies in his having shared with them that same patience, guidance and humour for which he is so well-known, as well as great love and deep affection. The family wishes to acknowledge the exceptional care that Peter received from the staff at the Brandon Regional Health Centre and the generous support provided by the staff of Brandon University at this difficult time. The Ceremony to Celebrate Peter's Life will be held at Central United Church, 327 - 8th Street, Brandon, on Friday March 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. The Reverend Dr. Peter Hordern will officiate. In lieu of flowers, friends who wish to do so are invited to make a donation in Peter's memory to the Brandon University Student Union Food Bank, 270 - 18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba, R7A 6A9. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 18, 2011