Peter Verbeke
1914-06-08 2014-06-27
VERBEKE, Peter Julius June 8, 1914 – June 27, 2014
It is with saddened hearts the family announces the passing of our beloved father and grandfather at St. Paul's Hospital on June 27, 2014.
He is lovingly remembered by his devoted and dedicated wife Kathleen; daughter, Patricia (Terry) Stefanyshin and grandson Robert; son Donald (Lorraine) and granddaughters Juliet and Lorree.
Peter attended Caswell School and Bedford Road Collegiate, excelling in history and mathematics. In his younger years he spent time in Belgium studying textiles and weaving. In the late 30's Peter joined the reserve Army in Saskatoon and later the Air Force. After the war he returned to the prairies and started his business, Verbeke's Ltd, which made venetian blinds and hotel and restaurant fixtures and furniture.
He had met the love of his life, Kathleen before the war and on his return they were married on July 1, 1947. Peter's interest in hotels progressed and he became a founding shareholder in the Parktown Hotel and the Travelodge both of which he was extremely proud to be a part of and he worked very hard to ensure the success of these hotels.
Peter and Kay travelled extensively in their later years, enjoying many trips to Hawaii, numerous road trips through Canada and the United States, a trip to Japan, and many cruises. As recently as last July he made a trip by car to Phoenix with his son and family.
Peter was very proud of his family and their accomplishments and in particular those of his grandchildren. He was always interested in their activities and their future plans. Peter was an avid Roughrider fan and he watched many games sitting on the 50-yard line at Taylor Field. One of his many joys was keeping in touch with family and friends and hosting events with them, be it a holiday, a Grey Cup party, or a birthday.
Peter never missed an opportunity to lend a hand and help out a relative, a friend or a neighbor. He always enjoyed a good time and he attributed his good health and longevity to a daily glass of red wine and staying busy. He went out for coffee whenever possible and he particularly enjoyed telling stories and taking a trip down memory lane. At 95, he announced at his birthday party, "We will see you all back here in five years". Peter's goal was to make 100 which he did in fine fashion and it was only in the last few weeks of his life that 'old age' caught up with him. He was very proud that he was able to live independently his entire life and very recently he said, "I've had a good life".
Peter's family would like to express their appreciation to the medical staff on 6th Med at St. Paul's Hospital for the care and compassion they gave Peter. A private family service will be held. Condolences may sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Lyle Burkell at the SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME, 306-244-5577.
It is with saddened hearts the family announces the passing of our beloved father and grandfather at St. Paul's Hospital on June 27, 2014.
He is lovingly remembered by his devoted and dedicated wife Kathleen; daughter, Patricia (Terry) Stefanyshin and grandson Robert; son Donald (Lorraine) and granddaughters Juliet and Lorree.
Peter attended Caswell School and Bedford Road Collegiate, excelling in history and mathematics. In his younger years he spent time in Belgium studying textiles and weaving. In the late 30's Peter joined the reserve Army in Saskatoon and later the Air Force. After the war he returned to the prairies and started his business, Verbeke's Ltd, which made venetian blinds and hotel and restaurant fixtures and furniture.
He had met the love of his life, Kathleen before the war and on his return they were married on July 1, 1947. Peter's interest in hotels progressed and he became a founding shareholder in the Parktown Hotel and the Travelodge both of which he was extremely proud to be a part of and he worked very hard to ensure the success of these hotels.
Peter and Kay travelled extensively in their later years, enjoying many trips to Hawaii, numerous road trips through Canada and the United States, a trip to Japan, and many cruises. As recently as last July he made a trip by car to Phoenix with his son and family.
Peter was very proud of his family and their accomplishments and in particular those of his grandchildren. He was always interested in their activities and their future plans. Peter was an avid Roughrider fan and he watched many games sitting on the 50-yard line at Taylor Field. One of his many joys was keeping in touch with family and friends and hosting events with them, be it a holiday, a Grey Cup party, or a birthday.
Peter never missed an opportunity to lend a hand and help out a relative, a friend or a neighbor. He always enjoyed a good time and he attributed his good health and longevity to a daily glass of red wine and staying busy. He went out for coffee whenever possible and he particularly enjoyed telling stories and taking a trip down memory lane. At 95, he announced at his birthday party, "We will see you all back here in five years". Peter's goal was to make 100 which he did in fine fashion and it was only in the last few weeks of his life that 'old age' caught up with him. He was very proud that he was able to live independently his entire life and very recently he said, "I've had a good life".
Peter's family would like to express their appreciation to the medical staff on 6th Med at St. Paul's Hospital for the care and compassion they gave Peter. A private family service will be held. Condolences may sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Lyle Burkell at the SASKATOON FUNERAL HOME, 306-244-5577.