Obituaries

THIESSEN, Peter

September 5, 1922 - December 22, 2021

It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to a loving father, husband, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather, Peter W. Thiessen.

Peter was pre-deceased by Helen, his wife of 66 years; his eldest son John; granddaughter Cindy Bandola; and daughters-in-law Louise and Tracey. Peter is survived by his wife Lena; 4 sons, Jake (Edna), Jim (Leanne), David (Lisa), and Roy (Michelle); 5 daughters, Anna (Bill), Katherine (Garnet) Beverly (Patrick) Maxine (Dan) and Iris (Steve); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and, great-great-grandchildren.

Peter was born on September 5, 1922, to William and Susana Thiessen in Hague, Saskatchewan, one of 7 children. His childhood was marred when his father was killed in a train accident when Peter was 8 years old. Severe financial difficulties caused Peter to take responsibility for his mother and younger siblings, as his older siblings were already out on their own. Peter learned early the value of frugality and being able to fix anything. Peter married Helen Harms in 1943 and the family lived in Swan Plain, SK, and Roblin, MB before moving to Winfield, BC. He first worked in construction, then as a welder. Eventually, the family moved to Vulcan, AB where Peter worked as a manager of a farm, something he always wanted to do.

He kept busy in retirement, spending hours in his workshop building furniture and especially carousels, for family and friends. Most of his children have at least one of his creations. Peter especially enjoyed road trips and Sunday drives, either with family or with good friends, Jake and Lena Hyde. Peter loved music, especially gospel songs, his favourite being “How Great Thou Art”. All the family would sing together while he played his guitar and sang. He had a deep love for Jesus, his Saviour, and his favourite Bible verse was John 3:16. Most Sundays would find the family at church.

In his later years, Peter’s health was failing and he needed to be in a Care Home. Recently, he thoroughly enjoyed celebrating his 99th birthday with his family around him. The isolation imposed by Covid was especially hard for him to bear as he dearly loved company. Now, we imagine he is enjoying singing praises to Jesus with all the throngs in Heaven.

An interment will be held on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at 1:00 pm, at the Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery. A celebration of life will take place in July, date to be determined.

For more about Peter's life or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

Link: www.springfieldfuneralhome.com/obituaries/thiessen-peter/

Condolence Messages

Jan 07, 2022
Dear Maxine and family: A long life, well lived, will still be missed. We are thinking about you at this time and wish you strength of family and memories; there are lots of both.

Dan & Benita Worley
Jan 06, 2022
Dear Lena & Maxine: we are so sorry to hear from a tenants tell us about Peter is back God`s home. . . His voice & kindly smile will always keep in our memory.

Tom & Linda Crews
Dec 28, 2021
To the family My condolences. I cherish the close relationship we had together when he lived in Vulcan and the many things I learned from him, the projects we worked on together, the good times and meals we had together and how my late wife Lorraine and him would enjoy teasing each other. So many memories and we sure missed him when he moved to Kelowna.

Peter J. Nickel
Dec 28, 2021
Maxine, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I know he his in a much happier place. Sending condolences to you and your family.

Joe and Lora Pires
Dec 28, 2021
To the family I express sincere condolences. Peter was a fine person, loving God and his family and friends. Thank you for making me part of this circle of caring as over the years I have certainly observed the love for each other and felt it personally. Much love to you all from Linda Hansen.