OTTO PETERS

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OTTO PETERS Otto passed away suddenly on January 24, 2006 in his home in North Winnipeg, after a long and remarkable life. Otto was born on August 23, 1915. He grew up in Winnipeg's North End and graduated from St. John's High School. He learned the metal working trade early on in his father's sheet metal business. In his youth he was an accomplished athlete, playing soccer, hockey, rugby, lacrosse and football on various high school and community teams. His experiences on sports teams exposed him to the needs of unemployed youth in the dirty thirties, and he realized the potential of technical education to meet their needs. Otto spent a brief time in the Navy towards the end of the Second World War. After the war, he met Joan Presznak and they were married on October 12, 1946. He and Joan built their home on Inkster Blvd., where they lived for 60 years. Otto's excellent technical skills and creativity qualified him as an instructor at the Manitoba Technical Institute. There he promoted the concept of technical vocational education, and in 1950 became a founding member of Winnipeg's Tec Voc High School faculty. Otto headed up the Metal Crafts Department until his retirement in 1980 after 30 years of teaching. Otto, together with his wife, spent their leisure time gardening and square dancing. He grew a large vegetable garden, and his classrooms and the flower gardens of friends and relatives were always adorned with a multitude of geraniums. He and Joan square danced at the Oriole's Community Club, and Otto became a popular and successful square dance caller. Upon retirement, he took up the art of stained glass, to which he excelled, and his talent and skill are reflected in the beautiful lamps and windows he created. Also, after retirement Otto spent his summers in the Margaree Valley of Cape Breton, helping his son establish a sawmill and homestead. There he became part of another community of friends and relations who enjoyed his knowledge, kindness and generosity. In his later years, Otto dedicated himself to caring for his loving wife, Joan. He continued to have remarkable health, maintaining his own home, and actively participating in his neighbourhood. Otto passed away at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife Joan; son Brian; daughter Bonnie; grandchildren, Moira, Coady, Kevin and Brendan; brother Rudy; and numerous nieces and nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his sister, Eleanor. According to his wishes, a private family funeral service will be held in the Chapel of Memories in Wojcik's Funeral Chapel, 2157 Portage Avenue (at Sharp Boulevard), with internment at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations may be made to a charity of one's choice. Otto's arrangements have been entrusted to the Family Owned Funeral Chapel of: WOJCIK'S ALL BELIEFS FAITHS FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM 897 - 4665

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 29, 2006