HINTON, Captain (N) Peter Robert Born in Shanghai, China, April 18, 1921. Died peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 19, 2008. Peter grew up in Victoria, attending Monterey Elementary, Vernon Prep, St Michael’s, and Brentwood College where he excelled at rugger, cricket and sailing. Family summers were spent at Deep Cove and Peter first stepped into a dinghy at age 9, setting sail for a lifelong love of the sea. As a lad, he played the violin and string quartets with his father, a cellist, which contributed to Peter’s passion for classical music and jazz, and to the end of his life, he recognized and was comforted by the music of the great composers. In 1941 Peter joined the navy and after service in the minesweeper HMCS Kelowna, he was given command of Landing Craft Infantry (L) 262, landing troops in France on June 6, 1944. He was demobilized in Canada in 1945. Rejoining the navy in 1951, Peter held a number of commands including HMCS Fortune, destroyers HMCS Athabaskan, and HMCS Columbia and was the first Captain of HMCS Protecteur, commissioning her in New Brunswick in 1969. Shore appointments included Commanding Officer of the leadership school, HMCS Cornwallis; Director of Manpower Planning, Ottawa; Chief of Staff, Canadian Flotilla Atlantic; Base Commander, HMCS Stadacona, and CFB Esquimalt. He retired in 1976. Peter’s next challenge came when he assumed the position of Executive Director, Victoria Branch, Canadian Red Cross, providing the leadership for a new building on Fairfield Road. Interested in Victoria Hospice Society; he volunteered, becoming a member of the Society board, and subsequently chairman. Peter was a gentleman, a natural leader and mentor to young naval officers. He read voraciously, was a storyteller extraordinaire, a man of courage with determination and energy who lived life fully, enriching and inspiring others. Predeceased by first wife Margaret in 1982, Peter is survived by sons Peter (Lyn), Stephen (Nikki), and granddaughter Jennifer (Joel). He also leaves his loving wife Geri, her children Stephen (Erica), Andrea, grandchildren Michael and Caitlin Toombs, and sister-in-law Francis Martini. He will be remembered by many nieces and nephews, and by friends around the world . The family wishes to thank Dr. David Leishman for his professional and compassionate care of Peter and support to Geri; Peter’s wonderful companions, Rose, Doreen, Julie, and Heather; and the staff of The Lodge At Broadmead for their dedication and loving care. A service of remembrance will be held on Friday, January 9, 2009 at 2pm from Christ Church Cathedral, Quadra Street, Victoria B.C. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations in Peter’s memory be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC, the Broadmead Care Foundation or the Victoria Hospice Society.
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Hilda and Ted Van Netten
Our deepest sympathy to you, Stephen and Nikki in this time of loss. From what Jen always said, she was very close to her grandfather and I can’t help but think that stemmed from your relationship with your father. We wish you God’s peace in the coming weeks and months as you adjust to the loss of your father. I am so glad that Jen had a lengthy stay with you over Christmas. Good for all of you! We enjoyed our short time with Joel and longer with Lindsey (we managed to stay at her place for 4 days!) All the best to both of you and the rest of your family. Hilda and Ted Van Netten