It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Peter Doetsch. After a fulfilled life for which he was profoundly grateful, Peter passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family. Until the end, he was blessed with good health, allowing him to lead a busy and active life.
He was born in Germany, where he studied mechanical engineering. After graduation, he worked for several years in a stone quarry in Turkey before immigrating to Canada with his wife in 1977, where they raised two daughters in North Vancouver. He began working in the marine industry, in which he later established his own company. Through his hard work and high standards, he was able to take the company from its humble beginnings in his home basement to a leader in the field, internationally known for excellence.
He was a proud and generous provider for his family. He had a passion for travelling and enjoying nature. He got great joy from outfitting his own campers and constantly improving his design. He will be remembered for his unwavering integrity, direct and frank communication, and willingness to help others.
He is survived by his wife, two daughters (and husbands), four grandchildren, and three sisters.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 10th, at 10 am at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 700 Old Lillooet Road, North Vancouver.
He will be greatly missed.
9 Comments
Dietrich Richter
Ich habe die traurige Nachricht von Wolfram Stüber erhalten und habe sie an alle noch lebenden ehemaligen Mitschüler der Abiturienta 1964 weitergeleitet. Wir waren Schulkameraden und auch Studienkollegen in Aachen. Wir haben uns mindestens einmal im Jahr per E-Mail ausgetauscht. Er hat mir von seinen Erlebnissen und seinen Reisen geschrieben. Ich werde Peter sehr vermissen. Mein herzlichstes Beileid gilt den Hinterbliebenen.
Shona Fraser
Peter Dee was a larger than life personality, and I am so grateful to have known him. I will always remember his laugh.
Naz Gurbuz
Dearest Lale and family, our thoughts and prayers go out to you. The ceremony was so beautiful, everyone’s speeches were so heartwarming, and the objects you placed on the front table was so thoughtful. We have the fondest memories of spending time with Peter, having inspirational conversations over dinner, and his generosity to help whenever and wherever was something we beyond appreciated. His cheerful and positive energy is something we will greatly miss. He was a brilliant man. – Naz, Philip, Hazal, Evin and Ali.
Petra Büschges
Vielen lieben Dank, dass ich an Peter’s Celebration of Life. teilnehmen konnte.
Es war berührend und eine schöne Zeremonie.
In meiner Zeit als Au-pair habe ich Peter als einen fürsorglichen und zuverlässigen Menschen kennengelernt.
Und er hat es geliebt, wenn ich für die Familie Frikadellen gemacht habe.
Ich wünsche Allen, vor allem Lâle, Aileen und Julia und ihren Kindern viel Kraft für die kommende Zeit.
Fühlt euch herzlich umarmt
Eure Petwa ☺️
Colin Fraser
We met in 1986 when I was working for the Coastguard based in Ottawa.
I was here in North Vancouver to witness the testing of a system on the brand-new icebreaker Henry Larson; Peter, as the representative for the supplier, had set up the program. We got along well immediately, having similar interests.
Fast forward to 1990 – while working in Halifax Shipyard I landed a position on the BC Ferries Spirit class shipbuilding project. I phoned Peter for some guidance on rental accommodation in anticipation of Margaret, Shona (and the dog) joining me in North Vancouver. He insisted that I stay with him, Lale, Aileen and Julia; and our families soon made a long-time connection. I will be forever grateful for their generosity and assistance:
Peter had a lust for life:
Words that come to mind include:
• Positive energy
• Mutual trust
• Enthusiastic about life
• A fearless adventurer
• A proud father and grandfather
• A respected businessman: Practical, professional and philosophical
• Generous
• Patient
Illustrating some of this is a short story I would like to share:
Many years ago, Peter and I had planned an early morning hike to Coliseum Mountain. 100 meters from the Lynn Headwaters Park gate, I tripped and fell awkwardly, cutting my arm. Despite my apologies for ruining the day, Peter insisted we go to Lionsgate Hospital to have the wound attended to.
He waited with me for two hours in ER – I had to have stitches.
Although this meant the end of our original plans, he suggested instead to hike the Squamish Chief – which we did successfully. It was a glorious day, and at the top we sat to enjoy the view.
No fuss, no regret, just Peter being his generous and thoughtful self.
He was a true friend:
Auf Wiedersehen Peter, and Danke Schoen for the memories
Jeff Reddy
First of all my condolences to the Family. I was lucky enough to be one of Peters employee’s at Jastram. Peter taught me the word “Proper”. The word has many different meanings but most of all for me is “do it proper” which meant to me put 100% of yourself into it. I came onboard with Peter in 2001 and chose to go a new path in 2017. Ever since I left, Peter’s voice would come into my head when I started a new challenge and that was “proper”, which would usually make me go back and review or re-do what I needed to do with my Heart in it. There are many other things that has stuck with me that Peter taught and said. Thank you Peter for the life long lessons, and always pointing me in the right direction when needed.
Jaeden Wildenboer
Peter Doetsch was an amazing person, full of life, generosity, creativity, encouragement, and kindness, to name just a few of his many traits.
I’ve had the absolute privilege of working for Peter for many years, but during that time, he became much more than an employer; he became a great friend.
He gave us so many memories, but the ones I’ll always cherish most are discussing our travels and working on his camper vans together. Even if it was the smallest thing he could have bought for the van, he always wanted to make it himself, as he found great joy in the process.
When it came to travelling, he never ran short of stories (which always amazed me). He always encouraged me to travel as much as I could, saying, “It’s something you’ll remember for the rest of your life!”
With the love of travel he instilled in me, I know I’ll think of you on all my future travels, and I’ll look for you in every sunflower, my friend.
Thank you for being the amazing person you were. I’m beyond grateful to have known you.
To his family and friends, I send my deepest condolences during this difficult time.
— Jaeden Wildenboer
Dave & Wilna Parry
What a privilege to have known Peter! His zest for life, his far-ranging curiosity, generosity, his integrity will remain with us always. We were so touched by the wonderful way his family chose to celebrate his life by objects placed so lovingly on a table: small, treasured keepsakes of a husband, father, grandfather loved and adored. We were honoured to be part of a life so well lived and will dearly miss Peter. “There is a land of the living and a land of the dead, and the bridge is love” …………
Hicham Al Achkar
I met Peter 11 years ago. We become friends instantly. We used to get together every few months at his favorite place White Spot, where enjoyed eating burgers, drinking coffee, and discussing the never-ending world issues. Peter and I shared many things in common. We both moved to this beautiful country and started a new life, we both started our careers at Wagner Engineering, and we both have two wonderful girls. Peter adored his grandkids, and he always talked about them.
Peter, what a sincere humble friend, caring, smart, motivated, and very energetic. You will be missed dearly.