Peter Jeffs Woolley

Peter died on January 20, 2022 at with family at his side. He was born with twin brother David in Cheshire, England, on January 11, 1934. His childhood had idyllic moments: life on the farm; mischief making with David; playing rugby and cricket. But it had difficulties too, as the Woolley boys lost their mother at a young age.

After leaving school, Peter served his two-year mandatory National Service in the Royal Air Force. He completed his degree in law and history at Trinity Hall Cambridge, then his CA designation.

In 1960 Peter married Lois and, after daughter Rachel was born in 1961, emigrated to Canada to join David and elder brother Ewart. They embraced their new home in West Vancouver, enjoying outdoor adventures, including camping, backpacking, canoeing, cycling, swimming and walking. The family were long time members of Hollyburn Country Club.

Canada gave Peter the opportunity to switch into the career he was born for, teaching, where he was one of the founding members of the Department of Financial Management at BCIT. Peter taught financial accounting and auditing to students at BCIT and SFU, and in professional training programs, until his 80th birthday, telling generations of students “debits on the left, credits on the right.” He enjoyed BCIT’s lack of pretention, and took pride in his students, especially those who overcome personal challenges to achieve professional success.

Peter enjoyed a close and loving relationship with his daughters Rachel, Frances, and Alice. His “girls” loved his positive confidence in their ability to succeed at everything they tried, his pride in their accomplishments and his welcoming of their opinions and perspectives. Peter gave his children the greatest gift any parent can give – his time and his interest – and all three of his daughters are grateful that they were able to return some of that over the last more difficult years of his life. Peter also had close relationships with all of his grandchildren, who always enjoyed his sense of fun and silliness, and competitions to see who in fact was #1 (Grandpa always).

Peter Jeffs Woolley, MA, FCA, January 11, 1934 to June 20, 2022. Survived by Lois, siblings David (Freda) and Christine (David), daughters Rachel, Frances (David), and Alice (Gerry), grandchildren Leslie, Hilary (Nathaniel), Katherine (Jesse), Christopher (Jessica), Sasha, Emily and John, and great grandchildren, Sebastien and Vivienne. A celebration of life is planned for next summer. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Peter’s memory to the BCIT Foundation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyburnfunerals.com for the Woolley family.