Peter’s Obituary
It is with profound sadness and loss that I share the unexpected passing of my best friend and husband Peter Swartzentruber, on Saturday June 19th, 2021, as the result of an accident on Lake Wahwashkesh.
Forever loved husband of Karen. He will be dearly missed by his daughter Mindy (and her husband Cam Hunt), sons Joshua (and his partner Ben Wardle) and Sean Mercer; mother Victoria, brothers Gary (and his wife Kerry) and Brian, sister-in-law Cathy Murphy & brother-in-law Bill Murphy; nine beloved grandchildren (Justin, Mason, Jacob, Morgan, Logan, Lucas, Gracie, Tanner & Mykaylah), and a much loved uncle to his nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his father Harold in 1991.
Pete was larger than life and everyone knew when he entered a room. His passions were his family, friends, and work. He enjoyed spending time with the PUPS, life at the cottage, going on motorcycle trips, quadding, cooking for our friends, hoppy craft beer and a glass of good scotch. We loved to travel and spent time visiting everywhere from PEI to Australia, but Cuba was our happy place. Simply put, Pete believed in life that you work hard, and you play hard(er).
Pete loved making memories with his grandkids at home and the family cottage. He was famous for his special pancake orders with every topping the grandkids could imagine. After pancakes, he would take the kids out on the lake for tubing. He would spend countless hours watching their smiling faces as they flew across the lake. Their joy brought him joy, and I’m so happy they will have those memories forever.
To say Pete was a hardworking man would be an understatement, with a career in the heavy truck and trailer industry spanning over 40 years. In the last 17 years we were fortunate enough to realize the dream of owning and operating Over The Road Equipment Sales in Princeton. He made many lasting friendships along the way. It was never work to Pete, but an endless passion – always looking for the next opportunity to satisfy a customer and make a new friend.
At an early age, Pete’s parents purchased a lodge on Lake Wahwashkesh that he and his brothers helped the family operate every summer. The lodge is no longer there, but the family cottage is a place where memories and traditions are still made every year. Although it’s heartbreaking, it is comforting that Pete’s final resting place will be on the lake he loved.
Pete was a good man. I was truly blessed to have him in my life.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the DWAYNE D. BUDGELL Funeral Home Ltd. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic and subsequent restrictions on gathering, a Private Family Visitation will be held. In Pete’s memory, donations to either the Ontario SPCA (ontariospca.ca/) or the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation (whenithurtstomove.org/)would be appreciated by the family.
Online condolences and donations may be made at www.budgellfuneralhome.ca
“I’ll see you later”, Love You Forever XO
“Grief, I’ve learned, is really just love. It’s all the love you want to give, but cannot. All that unspent love gathers up in the corners of your eyes, the lump in your throat, and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no place to go.”
― Jamie Anderson
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Peter John Swartzentruber April 29 1959 June 19 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Paris, Province: Ontario