September 21st, 1940 -
February 27th, 2011

Peter Jensen died peacefully Sunday, February 27th, 2011 in Hospice care in Kamloops, B.C., in the arms of his wife, Jean.

He is survived by Jean and sons Shane (Angela), Christian, Jeremy (Jocelyn); five dearly loved grandchildren: Trinity, Rowan, Jameson, Logan and Cashel; and siblings Kristian, Paul, and Michael.

Peter was predeceased in 1997 by his beloved son, Damian, and in 2002 by his granddaughter Indigo.

Peter's true calling in life was in the courtroom where he channeled an unbridled passion for law through a career that spanned 45 years. While he experienced a very successful law career with many highlights, the greatest one was seeing his son Jeremy called to the bar in 2007 and the subsequent three years they had together sharing a law practice until his illness forced him to retire.

Born and raised on the prairies in Shaunavon, Sask., Peter headed to the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, to finish his degree in literature and then a law degree. He graduated from UBC Law School in 1965. A prairie boy at heart, the wetter coastal climate never really did appeal to him. He was fond of telling the story that upon graduation from law school, he took out a climatology map to find out where he could practice law and have the opportunity to enjoy the least amount of rain possible. Narrowing his choices down to the Southern Okanagan or Kamloops, he liked to joke that the Okanagan back then was primarily a farming community and would likely not be needing his specific services. So off he went to Kamloops.

Shortly upon his arrival he began work with the law firm Houghton & Gray. It was at this time that he met his future wife, Jean MacLennan. Soon after, on an afternoon drive along the North Thompson River, they spotted a large piece of property on the river that was to eventually become their home, Jensen's Island. Peter and Jean were married on their property in 1968, and in the spirit of the times, their wedding march song was The Doors' "Light My Fire." In the years that followed both Peter and Jean raised their four children and worked tirelessly to preserve the incredible ecosystem that surrounds their land. With the support of fellow peers, their work was rewarded when "the Island" became a protected park, aptly called Jensen Island Oxbow Provincial Park.

It was on Jensen's Island that Peter began to cultivate his other three loves in life, each of them coming at different stages over the next 43 years.

Peter's love for boats was legendary and in the mid-70's he began a lifelong passion for river boating. He used to say there was nothing more beautiful than a sunset on Cooney Bay, Kamloops Lake. In the late nineties he commissioned his dream river boat, Golden Boy. On those beautiful hot summer nights in Kamloops, you were guaranteed to find him somewhere on the river or Kamloops Lake with friends and family enjoying that rare beauty that comes from being so close to the water and nature.

Peter's next love in life bloomed from the loss and sorrow that comes with losing a child. With the passing of his youngest son Damian in 1997, Peter found a way to channel his sorrow by planting his "Damian Trees". Today, these beautiful deciduous trees, at least 250 of them, are a testament to his love for his son as well as a gorgeous legacy for all to enjoy. Even in the fall of 2010, knowing that his cancer had returned and his time was short, Peter continued to plant his Damian Trees.

But of all his experiences, it was his role as "Papa Pete" that gave him the most joy. Like most grandparents, Peter discovered just how beautiful and nourishing grandchildren can be. In the final few months, Peter experienced the joy of having his five grandchildren around him often and in the end, there was peace in his heart knowing that they would carry a part of him forward into the future.

The family wishes to extend their profound thanks to everyone who interacted with Peter during his two and half year medical journey. The incredible support and compassion he received from not only the medical community, but friends, fellow peers and loved ones, allowed him to face death with grace and dignity, which he did brilliantly.

As per Peter's request there will be no immediate funeral service. In late May or early June, when his Damian Trees are in full greenery, there will be a Celebration of his Life for friends and family at his home on Jensen's Island.

Donations in lieu of flowers, may be made to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation - ICU Campaign, 311 Columbia St., Kamloops, B.C., V2C 2T1.

Condolences may be addressed to: Jensen Family, 614 Battle St., Kamloops. B.C., V2C 2M3.