(Jan. 12 1919 - Dec. 3, 2008)
Peter Heppner was born in Leonidovka, Ignatyevo, South Russia on January 12, 1919 to Cornelius and Maria (Janzen) Heppner. He arrived in Canada in the summer of 1926 at the age of 7.
Peter married Blondina Bergmann, his wife of 69 years. (Blondina predeceased him on August 1, 2006.) In 1940 they moved to Vancouver where Peter began trucking at the Boundary Bay Airport in Delta. They remained there until 1943 when they moved back to Sardis with the business. The trucking company became P. Heppner and Son Trucking in 1966. Peter was involved in many successful business ventures over the years. He enjoyed the challenges business offered him and was generous with rewards.
One of Peter’s passions was flying. In 1946 he earned his wings with a private pilot’s license. He was a member of the Chilliwack Flying Club for 50 years and became an honorary life member of the Club. It was always a great joy for him to take family and friends up for a ride. When recently asked what was his favorite plane he got a smile on his face and said “The Piper Cub.”
Peter was also an active member of the Greendale MB Church. Both he and Blondie were faithful in their participation and attendance. Peter was known for his seat in the balcony making sure us teenagers paid attention to the sermons.
In 1980 Peter retired (sort of). They sold their home in Greendale and moved to Sardis. There they enjoyed their new home and the freedom of not having the business in the back yard. They became known to the neighborhood children and “Opa and Oma.”
Peter and Blondie spent 25 years travelling to Palm Springs meeting up every winter with some of their local friends as well as the new ones they made. They also did a lot of sightseeing in Europe, South America, Mexico, Alaska, the South Pacific and Caribbean. Those were some of the most enjoyable years for both of them.
In 1996 Peter was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Eventually the yard became too much for him and in 2003 they moved from their home in Sardis to the Lynnwood Retirement Residence. In 2004, Peter moved to the Heritage Village Care Home leaving Blondie alone in Lynnwood. This was a very stressful and traumatic time for the two of them.
He leaves to mourn his passing a loving family that will miss him: daughter, Eleanor and husband, Peter Thoss of Tsawwassen; son, Bill and wife, Pauline of Sardis; daughter, Darlene and husband Sandy York of Ladner; one grandson, four granddaughters, three great-grandsons and four great-granddaughters. Lindsay and Audra Hooge, children Hannah, Isaac, and Aaron of Florida; Sonoama (Hooge) and Randy Buchanan son Kelly of Nanaimo. Samantha (Heppner) and Brad Engel daughter Tatiana of Sardis; Audra (Heppner) and Duane Schroeder, daughters Adria and Claudia of Sardis. Channay (York) and Gordie Lloyd of Ladner. Brothers: Ed and Elsie, Henry and Erna. Sisters: Ann Matthews, Mary and Cecil Smith, Betty and Leo Dueckman, Irene and Ernie Taylor. Sister-in-law Helen Borne, former son-in-law Herb Hooge, and numerous Nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Maria, also a brother Cornelius.
We will miss you Opa.
We, the family wish to thank the staff at Heritage Village for their respect, kindness, love and care shown to our Dad during his stay.
Viewing, December 10, 2008, 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Henderson’s Funeral Home. Interment, Dec. 11, 2008 at 12:00 pm, Greendale Cemetery, Watson Rd., Sardis, BC
Service of Remembrance, Dec. 11, 2008 at 1:30 pm, Greendale MB.
Reception to follow service.
Online condolences can be left at www.mem.com