Peter Klaus Esser

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of an amazing Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather and Friend. After a valiant battle of various health issues, Peter passed away peacefully near his sweetheart of 64 years, Karin on Nov 13, 2022. Peter was born Nov. 30, 1941, in Dusseldorf Germany to Peter and Liselotte Esser.

Peter and Karin met at the age of 10 in Dusseldorf, Germany at that time not being very fond of each other as children. Life brought them back together at the age of 18 & 17 and as Mom would say, one look at him, her knees buckled and that was it.

Peter had a love for music and was in a band as a teenager. He was extremely talented with art and writing. A true handyman that could fix anything.

At the young age of 18, Peter joined the Military and quickly became a Sergeant. He was always thankful that he never went to war however felt the skills, strength, and training was a gift throughout his life.

Marrying in 1963 and always the adventurers and hungering for a challenge, they started a new life and chose the country full of opportunity, Canada. With their first daughter, Susanne in tow they boarded the Sylvania and landed in Montreal in 1967. Quickly they made their way to Vancouver. Peter relentlessly looked for work and through a connection was introduced to the Cassiar Mine in Clinton Creek, Yukon. Their first home being a cabin, with no running water, or power. Initially starting as a laborer in the mine and within a short period of time promoted to Production Supervisor. With the new position came a house for the family with life’s luxuries.

In 1968, Caroline was born in Dawson City. In 1971, Jacqueline was born in Clinton Creek. Jacqueline’s birth cost Dad heavily with the miners as he was convinced the third child was a son and bet a Texas Mickey of Canadian Club and various cartons of cigarettes.

In Clinton Creek, he met his lifelong friend, Bernd Walter, who we affectionately refer to as “Uncle B”. The two shared a passion for the outdoors, wildlife, and the beauty of this world. They enjoyed the most incredible adventures.

Dad was known as Yukon Pete and was very proud of becoming a “Sourdough” having spent 11 years in the North. He wrote various articles for the Yukoner magazine.

Peter and Karin left the North in 1977 to Abbotsford BC. They wanted their daughters to have an opportunity at better education. Peter worked for two years in the Utah Mine in Port Hardy while Karin set up the family in their new home. Karin forever fearless applied for a job at Tip Top Carpets on Peter’s behalf and was able to get him back home to her. Peter enjoyed his Tip Top family and was very proud of his career. He retired in 1995 and one of his fondest memories being his retirement party at the “Hastings Park”.

Peter and Karin loved to travel. They would visit Caroline and the family in Australia, family in Germany and became expert cruisers with 14 trips under their belt. They enjoyed bus trips to Reno. They truly had a beautiful life together.

Peter is predeceased by his daughter Susanne Riddoch (2010) son in law Jim Mayer (2003) and survived by his wife Karin, daughter Caroline Stoner (Rod), daughter Jacqueline Kenward (Dan), his 5 fabulous grandchildren Mackenzie Mayer, Peter Stoner (Emily), John Stoner (Natalie), Joel Stoner, and Brandi Riddoch and 3 beautiful Great-Grandchildren Spencer, Otis, and Willow.

Everything Peter did was for Karin and the family. A man of honor, courage, and relentless positive attitude. Up for the challenge irrelevant how hard the fight. We will miss his words of wisdom, sense of humor and amazing love of life.

We are so very proud of our “Daddy” and will miss you dearly…