Quick Search

PETER WILLIAM DIDUCK

PETER WILLIAM DIDUCK

Born: June 22nd, 1924

Passed on: December 27th, 2012

Peter William Diduck, age 88, passed away on December 27, 2012 with his devoted daughter and son-in-law by his side. With courage, clarity and a peaceful heart, he made his transition home to God.

Peter is survived by his daughter Wendy and son-in-law Howard Groesbeck of Seattle, Washington; sister Mary Wallace of Coquitlam, B.C.; numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends; and dear companion of the past 14 years, Elizabeth Lyne of Rayleigh, B.C.

Predeceased in 1991 by his wife of 40 years Irene; brothers George, John, Mike and Alex; sisters Olga Gee and Elsie Balon.

A first generation Canadian-Ukrainian, Peter was born on June 22, 1924 in Wakaw, Saskatchewan. His father Wasyl Didow emigrated from Rumania, his mother Eftima Kushneryk from Austria.

In their teens, Peter and his brothers began venturing beyond their prairie home seeking opportunities in Saskatoon, Windsor and Edmonton. After serving in the Canadian Army in Kingston, Ontario, Peter settled in Edmonton where he met Irene Cherniwchan. They were married in 1951 and their adventurous, pioneer spirits soon took them to Whitehorse. During their 4 years in the Yukon, Peter worked as a large equipment mechanic for White Pass Railway, and their daughter Wendy was born. Further expanding their horizons, Peter, Irene and Wendy moved to Detroit, Michigan in 1956. For 20 years, Peter worked at Mercury-Lincoln car dealerships where he was a highly regarded auto mechanic, body shop manager and salesman. Eventually Peter and Irene followed their yearning to return "home" and in 1977 moved back to Canada. They spent the next several years enjoying daily reconnections with family in Edmonton and Smoky Lake, Alberta. In 1980, together with Irene's sister Victoria and brother Harry, they relocated to Kamloops becoming the owners of Scott's Motor Inn. After 10 years in the hospitality business, they retired and passed on the keys to the inn to Al Patel and family. Peter remained a constant and beloved fixture at Scott's until his health began to fail just a few weeks ago.

Devoted in heart and action to his Ukrainian heritage, Peter was an integral part of the community and construction of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of All Saints. His quiet presence and participation supported most events held at the Ukrainian Hall, and he took great pride in maintaining the grass and landscaping around the church.

Fortunate to travel throughout Canada and the US, he enjoyed reuniting with friends and family. A highlight of his many travels was a cruise to Asia, visiting Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. Annual winter escapes were spent on the beaches of Mexico, Hawaii & the Caribbean. But where he found true contentment was on the lakes of British ColumbiaÖ quiet days spent drifting along a wooded lakeshore, fishing and listening to the call of the loons. If you listen carefully, you will hear a sigh of relief among Kamloops trout at Peter's passing.

Beloved "Peter, Poppa, Pedro"... you will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered in our hearts.

Visitation on Thursday, January 3rd, 3 to 5:00 p.m. at Kamloops Funeral Home. Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 3rd. Funeral Service at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 4th., at the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of All Saints, Kamloops, British Columbia.

Interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery

Memorial donations may be made to The Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home. "The Iccha Wish Fund (Royal Inland Hospital Foundation).

Arrangements entrusted to
Kamloops Funeral Home
250-554-2577
Condolences may be emailed to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com

 

Funeral home(s)

ANNOUNCEMENT PUBLISHED IN

Tribute

Leave a condolence

comments powered by Disqus

Quick Search

Place an Obituary

MEMORIAL WEBSITE

Create a Memorial Website