Born November 28, 1937 in Dublin Ireland, left us suddenly on March 26, 2012 in Chilliwack B.C. Peter is survived by his loving wife Sandra, his children whom reside in England: Simon (Apparna), James (Pim), Joanne (Thad), Sean and grandchildren Akshay, Prarphana, Emily, Charlotte, Victoria, Samantha, Asreal and his Canadian family: Jim, Randy, Kim (Stephen), Judi (Tony), Nikki (Randy) and grandchildren Michael, Stuart, Stephanie (Kyle), Dylan, Darrell and great-granddaughter Stephanie.
Peters’ love of ships and the sea started when his father, who was a customs officer in Castletown Bere Ireland, put Peter on his shoulders while his father inspected the ships. Peters’ first ship was a Lugger out of Castletown Bere where he worked as a Cabin Boy between the ages of 8 – 10 years. There was no holding Peter back at this point! He continually ran away to the sea and ships.
When Peter was 10, he was sent to his grandfather Sean who lived at White Swan Cottage, where his love of poetry and history of Alaska and the Yukon were taught to him by his grandfather. When Peter was 16, he joined the Royal Navy where he served for 22 years. Next was the Merchant Navy, where Peter was employed by Kuwait.
Peter arrived in Canada where he met Sandy on November 11, 1980. They married in January of 1981. Peters love of helping people led him to operating Upper Valley Recovery Society with the help of many friends and his wife Sandy. So we give a special shout out to all friends of Bill W. Peter touched many lives and was never too busy to offer help to anyone who needed a car fixed, a ride or a hand up. During November, Peter helped raise money by selling poppies for the Royal Canadian Legion in Chilliwack. Peter will be deeply missed by family and friends and our memories will be of a caring man who always thought of others before himself. We will miss you Poppa.
Many thanks to Jim and Don at Pick-a-Part (We will be cashing in our shares now!), the Doctors and staff at Royal Columbian Hospital who gave us an extra 17 years with Peter, Dr. Ho, Dr. Sun, nurses at Chilliwack Hospital, Patricia at Guangzhou Herbs and to Shane at Henderson’s Funeral Home for his kindness and understanding.
Viewing on Thursday April 5, between 5 and 7 p.m. at Henderson’s Funeral Home at 45901 Victoria Avenue in Chilliwack. The Wake will be on Saturday April 7, at 11:00 a.m. at Oddfellows Hall located at 46008 Reece Avenue in Chilliwack. Please bring all your funny stories to share with family and friends.
ERIN GO BRAUGH!!