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PETER STANLEY MCEWEN
Born: May 09, 1932
Date of Passing: Aug 28, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryPETER STANLEY MCEWEN
It is with love and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of "ONE OF THE ALL-TIME GREATS"- Peter “McQballs” McEwen on Monday, August 28, 2023, at the age of 91.
Peter passed peacefully, surrounded and comforted by his three children that loved him beyond measure. Rhonda, his wife, was with him in spirit, as she was in the hospital at the time of his passing.
Peter was predeceased by his parents, W. Stanley McEwen and his mother Jeanette McEwen (nee Campbell). Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 65 years, Rhonda Lou McEwen (nee Baker), his three children, Scott McEwen, Nancy McEwen (Doug Hayden-Luck) and Lisa Stansbury (Jeff), his adoring grandchildren, Alexander and Marlo Hayden-Luck, Erin and Sean Mawhinney, many cousins on the McEwen and Campbell sides of the family and countless lifelong friends.
Peter was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on May 9, 1932. He spent a happy childhood growing up in Winnipeg and attended Wolseley School, Laura Secord School, Gordon Bell High School, United College and University of Manitoba. While he was at university, he became a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon Fraternity.
In 1958, Peter turned on his charm and married ‘his bride’ Rhonda in Regina. Shortly after their marriage, Peter and Rhonda moved to Saskatoon to start a family and life together. In 1970, the family settled in St. James, Winnipeg where they lived for over 50 years.
Peter’s gift of the gab, upbeat personality and sincerity shone through and won him many friends in the Kinsmen Club of Saskatoon, the K40 Club of Winnipeg and most recently, the St. James Lions Estates. He impacted everyone he met during his dynamic and successful career in sales and marketing. He spent time in entrepreneurial endeavours in the heavy equipment business in Saskatoon. His sales background and his love for cars led him to a career in the automobile industry. He especially enjoyed working for Mercedes-Benz of Winnipeg later in life, where he thrived in the lively environment and built great friendships.
Throughout his life, Peter had a genuine passion for automobiles. He had the uncanny ability to identify every make and model of car he spotted around town. He knew the most efficient driving route to get anywhere in Winnipeg and of course, HE owned the road. He knew the names and locations of every historic downtown building and the best Salisbury Houses in the city. So naturally, when it was time to slow his sales career, he stayed on at the dealership and drove the service shuttle for Mercedes-Benz. This became a hobby job that made him very happy and kept him close to his two passions… people and cars.
Dad had an amazing zest for life, positive energy and a legendary sense of humour. He couldn’t resist a get-together with friends and was always the life of the party. He excelled at putting others at ease and at making them laugh and feel welcome. He was notorious for his firm handshake which was evidence of his enthusiastic personality. Shortly after meeting someone new, he would playfully tease them and ask in his booming voice, "So, how do you like me so far?" Dad nicknamed our home ‘The Bus Stop’ and the revolving door of our family and friends provided him with a captive audience to entertain.
Our family is feeling a deep sense of loss without Dad, but we feel fortunate to be left with the memory of his positive spirit and his exuberant laughter.
We would like to thank the staff at Oakview Extendicare for their compassionate care throughout Dad’s stay. We would also like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support. We are so grateful.
There will be a private family memorial held at a later date.
Condolences may be left on Dad’s tribute page at passages.winnipegfreepress.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2023
Condolences & Memories (19 entries)
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Very sad to just now be learning of Peter's passing. I extend my heartfelt condolences, however late, to Peter's children, grandchildren, and wife Rhonda. Your father/husband/grandfather was an exceptionally kind mind, who in the brief time I knew him, was a wonderful friend and role model. I hope to be like Peter some day; a kind man in retirement, who treats young punks working their first job with the same respect and warmth of a lifelong friend. I don't imagine I'll meet anyone else quite like him, and his impact will still be felt far into the future. Condolences, and rest in peace Peter. - Posted by: Aidan Doyle (Co-worker) on: Aug 14, 2025
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I clearly remember meeting Peter at the Mercedes Benz dealership when I was 14 window shopping. Being young, no sales people approached us. But Peter walked up to my friend and I and I clearly remember him loudly saying "hey guys! Peter McEwen! Nice to meet yaaa!" And extended a strong handshake. We went on to just talk about Mercedes and even though I told him I couldn't buy, he still offered to show me the cars and features. I would drop by occasionally and eventually one of those days introduced my dad to buy a Benz from Peter and eventually I also ended up buying a couple from Peter. That man is sharp as a tack. "Tim Khuu how do you do!" Remembers me every single time. He ended up shuttle driving and we would have great talks driving me and gave me tips on the car business. For some reason he just popped into my mind when I was looking back at some of my car photos. I will miss his charisma and charm. He was a fountain of knowledge as well. - Posted by: Timphom Khuu (friend and customer) on: Jun 09, 2024
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I knew Peter thru the car business. What a great guy, a wonderful person. He was a car-guy for sure. - Posted by: Brian Klym (friend & business) on: Sep 26, 2023
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McEwen family were close friends of my family during their time in Saskatoon. Peter and Rhonda were role models to us kids and awesome parents to their own. Good and happy times abound when the McEwens were around. Peter you will be missed. Condolences to Rhonda, Scott, Nancy and Lisa. - Posted by: Paul Sadownick (Family Friend) on: Sep 14, 2023
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Peter was always the life of a party, funny and entertaining. He was one special man. His knew how to make anyone relaxed in his presence.. Deepest sympathy to my friend Rhonda and the family, Scott, Lisa and Nancy. - Posted by: Dorothy Knowles (Friend) on: Sep 12, 2023
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We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Rhonda and family. Linda and Bill Novak - Posted by: Linda and Bill Novak (Apartment building neighbours) on: Sep 11, 2023
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I worked with Peter at Westport Chrysler in Sales. He was one in a million and always referred to his wife as "His Bride" My condolences to the family and he will never be forgotten ! - Posted by: Alica Porter (Past Acquaintance) on: Sep 11, 2023
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I still remember the McEwen family's arrival at their new home on Assiniboine. We also had just moved in - but not in the same style as you five! Glamour and enthusiasm describe you as you're turned into your driveway in your bright red convertible, all smiling and ready to make new friends. We felt lucky to have you as neighbours and so enjoyed all of you. Peter could always make us laugh and that is such a great gift. I know you will miss him terribly -he was a fine man. This is a hard time for you and I am so sorry for your deep loss. - Posted by: Lynda Mohamed (Friend) on: Sep 11, 2023
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So sad to discover Pete has left us, lost touch these past few years .. meant to let you know I was back living in Winnipeg. He was a wonderful friend, and so much fun to spend time with. Will be missed who all who knew him. Condolences to Rhonda and family from Pat Moore - Posted by: Pat Moore (Friend of my late husband George Moore friends from High School) on: Sep 11, 2023
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Peter McEwen - my friend at the Mercedes store and in St James... Peter was always very positive about everything. We met at the A and W at Sturgeon and Portage from time to time to catch up with things. I always felt motivated after one of our sessions. If I can do anything to help Rhonda please phone me. Chris And Donna Woods - Posted by: chris woods (friend ) on: Sep 11, 2023
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There are some people in life that you cross paths with that have an impact and Peter you were definitely one of those people. Your humor and zest for life was so contagious and anyone who came in contact with you always had a way to make them smile. I'll always remember the chats at work and I thought it was so adorable that you called your wife "your bride". I've definitely missed your bright personality since working with you and have thought of you often. I'm so very sorry to hear of your passing, we have definitely lost a great one. Extending my deepest condolences to Rhonda and family ❤️ - Posted by: Kristin G (Former Co-worker ) on: Sep 10, 2023
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My deepest sympathy to Rhonda, Lisa, Scott, and Nancy. Your memories of this wonderful man will live in your hearts forever. Lib Downes - Posted by: Lib Downes (Friend) on: Sep 10, 2023
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Peter and I used to work together at Mercedes Benz (old and current location). Over the years we shared many stories and and had some great times. It was an honour to have worked with you and to have met your lovely bride Rhonda. She was always classy. It was a privilege to know you. My heartfelt condolences to Rhonda and family. Jay Bowerman - Posted by: Jay Bowerman (Friend and colleague ) on: Sep 09, 2023
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So many family get togethers and fond memories from my youth. Peter was always a favourite of mine and I always looked forward to seeing him and watching him light up a room. So sorry for this deep loss. David Lee - Posted by: David Lee (Friend) on: Sep 09, 2023
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Reading Peter’s obituary was pleasant in a way. I could see Mr. McEwen’s face, hear his laugh and recall him saying one or two of those favourite lines he had. It took me back to being a kid being up late and hearing the laughter and loud taking coming from the living room. So much joy there being shared between my parents and The McEwens, so thank you. To Ronda and your whole family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Peter was one of a kind. Tim Lee - Posted by: Tim Lee (Family Friend) on: Sep 09, 2023
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Condolences to each and everyone of you. We were so very honoured to have gotten to know your dad at Oakview during the 15 months that our dad was in there. He was always a joy to see, so kind and as you say he was great for conversation. As we saw him sitting in his chair we would tell him how handsome he was and he grab our hand and kiss it. Just from getting to know him I could tell that you guys had a wonderful husband and a wonderful father. Just this last Friday we went to Oakview to visit our dear friends that still reside in there and your dad was one of them and we realize that he was no longer there, may you find peace in knowing that he is in a glorious place. I can hear him saying in heaven hello I’m Peter McEwan. How do you like me so far. We will cherish our memories of your dear sweet father and husband. Again condolences to you all And his love and memories will live on in your hearts forever. Sincerely Sheryle King, Deneen Allarie and Brian Allarie, Tim Allarie and Jason Allarie at Hudson - Posted by: Sheryle King Deneen Allarie (Friend) on: Sep 09, 2023
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I can see him now lighting up the party in heaven, dancing on the tables with a rum and coke in his hand! You've captured his essence beautifully in these words. Our growing up years at the McEwen house were indeed some of my fondest memories because of the constant presence of Pete and Rhonda at the kitchen table. My very deepest sympathies to you all. 💔 Joanne Clark - Posted by: Joanne Clark (Friend ) on: Sep 09, 2023
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Heaven will never be the same now that Peter has arrived. He will be busy re-connecting with old friends and greeting the new arrivals. What a special man he was. Doreen Murdoch/Jean Campbell - " the Dickson girls" - Posted by: Jean Campbell (friend) on: Sep 09, 2023
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Going over to the McEwen house as a teenager was always an event to look forward to because Peter and Rhonda were there. Peter always was interested in what was going on in your life as well as joking around and just having fun with you. Peter was one of the many roll models that I hope that I followed when dealing with my kids and their friends. From one "car" guy to another I know Peter is now in the best "Ride". My condolences to Rhonda, Scott, Nancy and Lisa Mark Ranson family friend - Posted by: Mark Ranson (friend of Scott) on: Sep 09, 2023