Our Peter passed away on January 21, 2021 at home, surrounded in love, with his wife, Judi, by his side.
How does someone find all the words that fully capture the life story of such a wonderful man? Peter truly loved and lived life to the fullest. He had such a positive attitude, inner strength and was so very kind hearted. Those that knew him will never forget Peter’s quick-wit and sense of humour!
Peter was born on January 11, 1947 in Toronto. He was the middle son of Charles (Chuck) and Marjorie Haines. Peter’s childhood was spent in northern Ontario exploring his world. The imprint of Peter’s tongue on the frozen door handle of the ice arena may still be there! It was in Ontario that Peter began to pursue his passions, sports and education, at the U of Ottawa. There he achieved his Bachelor of Phys Ed and created life long friendships as one of the “Four Amigos”. Oh…the stories they would share!
Peter moved to Vancouver Island to raise his family. The years on the island held so many great memories for Peter: coaching, teaching in Chemainus, running marathons, and completing his Masters in Phys Ed and Counseling at the U of Vic. Peter’s love for the ocean remained with him his entire life.
Peter’s career as an educator spanned 32 years. He was a teacher, coach, mentor, Vice-principal and Principal. Peter was strongly committed to creating communities where all students could grow and learn in an atmosphere of care and respect. Many of those years were spent in Invermere where he formed numerous friendships. It was there he fell in love with the game of golf. He couldn’t wait to get out on the course to challenge himself and enjoy fellow golfers. Golf came naturally to Peter. He was a gentleman on the course and boy…could he ever hit that ball! Peter’s love of golf led him to volunteering for BC Zone 2 Junior Golf. Supporting and instilling the love of the game in young golfers filled Peter with pride. To Peter, golf taught all the lessons of life.
Peter married his forever love, Judi, in 2003. Their life together began in Vernon as educators with the Vernon School District. Upon retirement their days were filled with traveling abroad and “down south”; following the road less traveled, always in search of that perfect beach or pristine golf course. Peter’s fondest memories were of his time volunteering as a marshal at Laughlin Ranch Golf Course.
Peter valued family. His brothers; Terry (Janet) and Michael, his boys; Jeremy, Matthew (Amy), Jonathan (Sarah), and Judi’s son David (Karyn), his grandchildren Mchale, Kaysen, Kira, Bella, Brodie, Maya, Henry and Lauryn, Judi’s family and his friends all held a special place in Peter’s heart.
Peter’s story would not be complete without knowing the kind of man he was. How Peter so quietly reached out to others to lend a hand. How he put a smile on the face of a stranger. How Peter, no matter where he was in the world, found a way, every single year, to read “The Night Before Christmas” to each of his boys and their families on Christmas Eve. All of us will miss Peter deeply, cherish his memory and hold him in our hearts forever.
We are so grateful for the incredible support we received from family, friends and the health care teams at the Vernon Cancer Clinic, Palliative Care, Dr. Michael Humphrey, Dr. Paul Mori, Safeway Pharmacy and Dr. Mavis Hollman.
Mavis you were always there for Peter throughout his journey. Thank you!
Donations, in memory of Peter, may be made to BC Zone 2 Junior Golf (Zone2treasurer@shaw.ca) or a charity of your choice. The donation made to Junior Golf will enable players, who are in need of financial assistance, to continue participating in the Zone 2 Junior Golf program.
Due to COVID a Celebration of Peter’s life will be held at a later date.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Peter Barry Haines January 21st 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Vernon, Province: Colombie britanique