Mr. Peter Pete Dedora

Peter was born on February 3, 1918 in Bengough, Saskatchewan and always thought of it as his home. He and his 2 sisters (Katherine and Margaret) and 3 brothers (Mike, Paul and Phil) were first generation Canadians. His parents immigrated to Canada from the Ukraine. They lived in a modest one room house with a sleeping loft.

His childhood was filled with outdoor activities. In winters he would ice fish and in the summers he enjoyed spending lots of time with his cousins but had to be home every day at 4 p.m. to bring the cows in. When Peter was still in school, he won his first Brownie camera which led to a lifelong interest in photography.

Peter worked in Saskatchewan on the railroad for a number of years and always remembered his first puppy (Rickey), his first car as well as the cold snowy winters, hot dusty summers and ever present wind on the prairies. Peter was a loving brother and helped his younger sister Margaret pursue her dream by saving up and buying her the hair dressing kit that she needed to be able to start hairdressing school.

Peter moved to Vancouver in 1948 to be closer to his sister Margaret and her husband John. He helped them build their house and went on to build other houses. In 1952 he was hired by the City of Vancouver engineering department where he worked for 30 years until he retired in 1981.

Peter met his wife Mary at a Catholic Youth Organization gathering at Holy Rosary Cathedral and they married on May 19, 1956 in St. Andrew’s Catholic Church. Peter and Mary had two children, Mary-Anne and Joan. Peter was an active member of St. Andrew’s over the years as an usher taking collection at the Sunday 8 a.m. mass, working at Bingo in the church basement and helping at the church school with maintenance but what he enjoyed most was when he had a chance to wear an Easter Bunny costume or be Santa Claus for the school children.

He lived in the house in Vancouver on East 53rd Avenue that he built on his father-in-law’s vacant lot. He drew up the plans which included large rooms and an upstairs. He and Mary lived there very happily for many years raising their family. He was proud to see his daughters graduate from post-secondary schools and go on to have successful careers.

Peter was hardworking and always kept himself busy. His hobbies included fixing things, gardening, photography, and going to swap meets.

To celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in 1981, Peter and Mary went on a lovely vacation to Hawaii, renewed their marriage vows and were blessed again. In 1982, Peter and Mary took an extended trip to Europe, visiting many different countries, including Mary’s relatives in Italy.

In 1988 he walked his youngest daughter Joan down the aisle upon her marriage to Martin. In 1991 his first grandchild, Megan, was born followed by Adam in 1993 and Jaime in 1997. He and Mary enjoyed spending time with and babysitting their grandchildren.

After 48 years of marriage, his wife Mary passed away in 2004. He was a loving husband and during her final years in her nursing home, he spent many hours with her every day.

His daughters have fond memories of summer family camping vacations to Osoyoos, Bengough, Disneyland, and an 8 week trip across Canada in 1976 where the family met many of Peter’s friends and relatives.

He enjoyed the many people he met throughout his life. His family and the Catholic Church were the most important things to him. Peter was 95 years old.

Susanne Nordin was the pianist and soloist at the service. Piano instrumentals of songs played before the service included:

• You raise me up

• Wind beneath my wings

• Somewhere (from Westside Story)

• I will remember you (by Sarah McLaughlin)

During Service (vocals and piano):

• Entrance - Be not afraid

• First Reading - The Lord is my Shepherd variation

• Offertory - Amazing Grace

• Communion - Ave Maria

• Insencing Casket - Jesus remember me

• Recessional - On eagle's wings

Other information for Father Wilfred Gomes at St. Andrew's Catholic Parish:

- Last attended church on Sept 7th at St. Pat’s where he received holy communion

- Last rites were given at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) on September 9th and 22nd

- Peter had a short illness. He was admitted to VGH on Sept. 9th for a gastric bleed and developed aspiration pneumonia. and ultimately didn’t have the strength to fight it. He passed away October 1st He was doing well and was happy in his care home up to the day before he went into hospital.

- Peter lived at the German Canadian Care Home (at Victoria Drive & Marine Drive in Vancouver) for the last year and a half. Prior to that he lived in assisted living at Cavell Gardens (Sophia St. in Vancouver) near 12th and Main Street in Vancouver where he attended mass regularly at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church since 2006.

- Peter was 95 years old, he lived to a good age

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The obituary appeared in the Vancouver Sun and Province Newspapers (Friday, October 4, 2013 to Sunday, October 6, 2013).

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DEDORA, Peter

February 3, 1918 - October 1, 2013

Peter Dedora, born February 3, 1918 in Bengough Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully in his sleep October 1, 2013 at the age of 95. He was predeceased by his wife Mary, sisters Margaret and Kay, and brothers Paul and Mike. He is survived by his brother Phil. He will be lovingly remembered by his daughters, Mary-Anne and Joan (Martin) and grandchildren Megan, Adam and Jaime. An evening prayer service will be held Wednesday, October 9th at 7:00 pm and a Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday October 10th at 10:30am at St. Andrew's Catholic Church 480 East 47th Avenue, Vancouver. Interment to follow at Ocean View Burial Park, Burnaby. Special thanks to the nursing staff at VGH and German Canadian Care Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peter's memory to the charity of your choice.