Mr. Peter David Gelpke

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 68 years, Joan Lawry Gelpke, his children David (Deby), Vivien (Philip), Patricia (Geoff) and Sarah (David), his grandchildren Emma (Huck), David, Lizzie, Jak and Sam and great-grandchildren Selah and Finn. Peter is also survived by his brothers Norman and Paul (Mary) and sister-in-law Joan as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Peter was predeceased by his father, Herman, his mother Connie, his brother Bob and his sister-in-law Suzie.

Peter treated life as an adventure and was interested in every facet of it. He was born on December 29th, 1922 in Croydon, England and graduated from Epsom College. He completed his formal post-secondary education at Camborne School of Mines, Cornwall. He meet his life partner, Joan, in Camborne. Peter then volunteered as a Royal Engineer during World War ll. He served in India, Burma and Singapore over a five year period. In 1947 he rejoined his family and pursued his professional career as a petroleum engineer. The family spent time in the Netherlands, East Indies, United States, Canada, France, the Middle East and the Far East. Names such as Balik Papan, Tarakan, Calgary, Houston, Paris, Abu Dhabi, Masjid-I-Suleiman and Saigon became important parts of the family vernacular. Retiring in Vancouver Peter pursued education and completed a degree in French and History from Simon Fraser University at the age of 68. He had a great affection for the French language and culture, he had a lifelong interest in sailing and traveling and he spent the better part of three years producing a comprehensive autobiography which will always be a comfort to his family. His prodigious memory and intellect were always an inspiration. One of the many aspects of his life which was most admired was his abiding interest in his family and friends. He will be sorely missed.

A celebration of Peter's life will be held at Hollyburn Funeral Home on Thursday 28th February at 2pm. (1807 Marine Drive, West Vancouver). If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lions Gate Cancer Clinic. Special thanks to Dr. Klimo, Dr. Bain and everyone on the Palliative Team, especially nurse Rosie O’Reilly.

Hollyburn Funeral Home 604-922-1221