PETER WAKEFIELD FORSTER

Condolences & Memories (6 entries)

• I am saddened to hear that Peter has passed away. He meant a lot to every student that he taught. Peter brought joy and creativity to his architecture teaching, and it stayed with you. My memories of the tag team of Peter and Rory Fonseca in ES studio are among the happiest and most cherished experiences I have. My condolences to his family. There are many, many of us around around the globe who were touched by Peter. He encouraged all of us to aim high, and we did. Thank you Peter. - Posted by: David CAbianca (Student, B.E.S. (1990)) on: Sep 23, 2014

• Peter was my group professor in ES and my Thesis Advisor in Masters. His intellectual approach to architecture and mentoring challenged me to more thoughtful design - something that has carried through to today. I have thought of him often as I progressed through my career and can say that the was my most influential professor. I was very sad when I heard of his passing but grateful to have known him and to have had him as part of my formal education. - Posted by: Bill Kumlin (BES, M.Arch, Student at U of M 1982-1987) on: Sep 15, 2014

• Peter was my thesis advisor. He guided me through the process of developing my design with wisdom, clarity, humour and kindness. He supported me in finishing my thesis on the timeline I had (fast!) and completely supported me in my defense to the jury. Just his presence helped quell my nerves! I just couldn't imagine a better experience in preparing and presenting my thesis and Peter was a huge part of that! I remember being invited over to his house one time and wondering if I'd ever seen that many books in a private home before! Also, there weren't very many times that we met without him finding some way to talk about his extraordinary love for his family. I appreciate the chance I had to work with him and to get to know him. - Posted by: Diane Moorhouse, M.Arch 1995 (Student, University of Manitoba) on: Sep 03, 2014

• Peter was my mentor on my thesis project. He certainly had an inspiration effect on me and my work. My thesis project was well accepted and I graduated soon after. I was also honoured that Peter kept one of my architectural models on his mantelpiece. It was the best, most exciting time in my life. Peter will be greatly missed. - Posted by: Rober Weber (Student) on: Sep 01, 2014

• Peter was my thesis advisor and mentor. He guided me through an exciting time of exploration and architectural narrative, and cautioned me about carrying stories too far into design. Totally ignoring this advice, my final presentation was a tumultuous, 2hr slug-fest before a tough jury. After what seemed like hours of trying to defend what I knew was a good project, Peter joined me at the front, stood beside me, and questioned what exactly was the jury's problem in their understanding of our work. He came to bat for me when I was at a complete loss for words, and he continued in the passion that I was quickly losing in front of such negative energy. Still to this day, one of the most exciting and humbling moments of my life -- a wonderful man. - Posted by: Brent Whitby, B.E.S. (1990) M.Arch (1994) -- University of Manitoba (Master's Thesis Student) on: Aug 22, 2014

• I was a student in Peter's History of Art class. One morning in the winter of my final year, I could not get a bus at Corydon and Osborne so I tried to hitchhike. Peter saw me and later at school asked me if I needed a ride to class. For the rest of the year, he picked me up each morning and drove me to class. Just a very kind and generous person and a great professor. - Posted by: Barbara Bruce, BID 1970 (Student at University of Manitoba 1966-1970) on: Aug 22, 2014