Dad passed away at home on August 6, 2008 with family by his side. Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Ada Mary Bourne, dear wife Joan (nee Shannon), infant son John Thomas, brother Fred of Victoria, and infant grand-daughter Kelly Anne Chamberland. Lovingly remembered by his nine remaining children, Mary Joan "Binkie" McLean, James, Patricia (Peter) Nalleweg, Shannon (Jean) Boivin, Susan (Bill) Jackson, Barbara (Gilles) Chamberland, Alan, Michael (Sherri), Peter (Melanie MacIsaac), sister Edna Paton of Victoria, brother Doug of Calgary, Alberta, and sister-in-law Rita LaPlante of Peterborough, Ontario, nieces and nephews, 20 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.
Dad was born in Victoria, BC on June 3, 1921. He grew up in James Bay, attending Beacon Hill and South Park schools. Because his father passed away while he was just a teenager, he went to work holding down various jobs to help support the family during the 1930s. He would tell us stories from those early days in Victoria, including bicycling over to watch airplanes land at Lansdowne field. During World War II, Dad enlisted in the Navy, serving most of his time in the North Atlantic on the HMCS Iroquois. It was at this time that fate intervened and Pete met his future bride, Joan. They were married in Newfoundland in 1945, and soon settled back in Victoria. Ten children followed. Dad worked hard to support his family. Over the years, Dad’s resume included tour bus driver, driver examiner for the Motor Vehicle Branch, ambulance attendant, driving instructor and orderly with the Veterans Memorial/Royal Jubilee Hospital. Dad was a great ambassador of the city for visiting family and friends, and knew almost every road in Greater Victoria! A family home was built in 1958 on Roseberry Ave. We children have many fond memories of growing up in such a large household. Dad was strict, but fair; patient and loving. He was always willing to build/repair/fix anything that was broken. He cared deeply for everyone in the family. Finally empty-nesters, Dad and Mom moved to the Gorge Pointe condos in 1994. Despite his own failing health, he cared for Mom at home in the years leading up to her death in 2002. Dad remained very involved with his family, attending many events with his children and grandchildren. We will remember him with love and admiration, and will miss him greatly.
A celebration of Dad’s life will be held at McCall’s Floral Chapel, Johnson at Vancouver Streets, on Tuesday, August 12th at 12:30 p.m. Reception at CFB Esquimalt "Ward Room." Directions will be provided at the Chapel. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
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