HENRY W. PETERS

April 19, 1942 – March 23, 2023

It is with great sadness, much love and gratitude for a life well lived, that we announce the passing of Henry Peters on March 23rd at the age of 80. 

 

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Helen, Jennifer (Jeff), Karlen (Luke) and his grandchildren Tristan, Cooper, Eli and Leo.  

 

Dad was born Heinrich as he frequently reminded us. Heinz for short. He grew up in the West End with his Mennonite family; his parents Sonja and Abram and his two older brothers Herb and Will. He attended Daniel McIntyre Collegiate.

 

At a young age, Dad found his first passion, music, which included both singing and playing piano. He did  solo work throughout his life performing at various celebrations and singing with the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir and several church and community choirs.

 

Dad began teaching in 1970, out in Selkirk, sharing with students his other great interests; History and Geography. He taught for over 30 years spending most of his career with the Seven Oaks School Division. Even recently, Dad continued to teach in his sleep, moving his hands as though writing on the board and sharing his lessons. In addition to the classroom, Dad was very proud of his years working for Kellogg’s as well as teaching and examining driver’s education. 

 

Dad met Mom in 1969. They married in 1972 and continued through life doing all things together as partners; raising two girls, supporting them in all of their activities and instilling in them his adventurous spirit. Dad loved to travel; backpacking through Europe at a young age. He loved the outdoors, canoeing, curling, cross country skiing, biking and hiking. As a boy Dad camped at West Hawk Lake with his family and continued to enjoy summer road trips with his wife and girls. He loved to pack the family in the car and travel across Canada, camping in the tent along the way. Dad and Mom spent their retirement traveling to Europe, the United States and spending the spring in Victoria walking along the ocean and through Beacon Hill Park. Dad was an avid walker. It was common to see Dad and Mom walking throughout St. James. Most often, they could be seen at Assiniboine Park, Dad sporting his trademark small orange toque with a giant pom pom.

 

Dad loved the lake at Ingolf, Ontario. He was always thinking about the cottage and loved time spent with family and friends and in particular, watching his grandsons jumping off the dock. Dad adored spending time with his grandsons playing Crokinole and board games. He bought them each their own little kayak and then spent many years fretting about their antics. The lake is where he could enjoy a beer and reflect on issues related to the pump, politics or squirrels getting into the bird feeder.  

 

Dad cherished time with his family and friends, many of whom were part of his life since childhood. Dad loved a good debate and found humor in so many things.

 

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Grace Hospital.

 

A celebration of his life will take place at Charleswood United Church on April 13th at 2:00 p.m. 

 

If friends so desire, a donation in memory of Henry can be made to Mennonite Central Committee.