Peter Edwin FEDORCHUK

Peter Edwin Fedorchuk

June 4, 1936 - March 12, 2018

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Peter Fedorchuk.  He passed peacefully at Trillium Lodge in Parksville, B.C. after a lengthy battle with dementia.

Predeceased by his parents, Matthew and Jenny Fedorchuk, older brothers Frank and Lawrence, older sisters Ann, Olga and Hope, and younger sister Eileen.

Peter is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Lynn, and their children Jacquie (James), Jay (Patti), Ryan, Shelley (Hilton), and 4 grandchildren.  Peter is also survived by his daughter, Marilyn (Kelly) and their 3 children.  He is fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews, and by many friends who recall his infectious smile.

Peter was born in Rovno, Ukraine and at the age of 2 years immigrated to Canada with his parents and 5 older siblings. 

Growing up in Saskatchewan, he enjoyed a Tom Sawyer-like boyhood.  A favourite story was when he was 4 and he fell asleep in the long prairie grass; his faithful border collie staying beside him, keeping him warm as the night fell.  Both parents, siblings and neighbours searched in vain, but when the dog heard them calling, he jumped up & barked until Peter was found.

Peter had a great love of birds; From a young age, he could name scores of wild birds, explaining their individual characteristics.  He also was very artistic and could draw them skillfully. As a youth, he loved sports, excelling at local track and field meets in summer, and hockey in the cold winters.

At 17, Peter left home and went to work with his older brother up in Churchill, Manitoba.  Later, he was employed as a timekeeper on CN Railway, and in 1957 spent the summer working at Jasper Park Lodge.  While working there, he climbed to the peak at Pyramid Mountain. For a time he worked in a paper mill at Ocean Falls, B.C. and fell in love with the coast.

In 1961, along with friend Alvin Zubko, Peter went abroad on a European convention tour (sponsored by Jehovah’s Witnesses). Following this he settled in New Westminster BC, where he worked as a longshoreman. It was here he met Lynn and they were in August of 1963.

Their first two children were born in New Westminster (daughter Jacquie, in 1965; and son Jay, in 1966).  In 1969, Peter & Lynn moved to Quebec to serve where there was a greater need for ministers.  Later they had 2 more children; son Ryan in 1974; and daughter Shelley in 1976.

For many years, Peter owned & operated a siding and window company in Aylmer, Quebec.  Due to an economic downturn, in December 1980 Peter, Lynn, and family moved to Calgary.  There he worked in sales until he retired.

Like his Mother, Peter was well known for his generosity. He would take groceries to families who were out of work, at times help them out financially. Many comments have been received about how “Peter would give you the shirt off his back”; and he always stood up for the underdog.

Peter had a great sense of humour, often “hamming it up” (once on a bus tour in New York he wore a foam headpiece of the Statue of Liberty).  He was known for his get togethers, and his lighthearted pranks.

Peter always loved to travel.  Family trips included Disneyworld and Disneyland. In later years, Peter & Lynn travelled to Hawaii, including 2 trips to Peter’s favourite island of Kauai.  Other destinations included New York, Mexico, Taiwan, Alaskan and Caribbean cruises, then finally New Zealand!

Lynn fondly remembers Peter bringing her flowers “just because”.  At every anniversary, he was sure to give her some jewellery, until he lost track of time in 2009.  Even as his dementia progressed, on clear days he would express his appreciation for the care he was given.  Lynn treasures these moments of clarity when he would express his hope for a paradise earth when his health would be restored.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the numerous careworkers from Oceanside Community Services who came to care for him at home from February 2013 – February 2018.  Without their assistance, Lynn would not have been able to keep him at home, and for this she is truly grateful.  The family would also like to thank the staff of Trillium Lodge where he spent his last two weeks.  Lynn would personally like to thank Dr. McClure and his wife, Diane, who came to visit Peter at home.  

A service to remember Peter will be held on Sunday, March 25, 2018 at 2:00 pm in the Parksville Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses at 1069 Smithers Road, Parksville, B.C.

Lives Cherished and Celebrated