My Uncle Pete

Memories of my Uncle Pete begin way back when he lived beside us on Clearbrook Road.  We would always sit on our white fence and shout across the field via the fence to our cousins to plan the next visit or excursion.  My major fear of visiting in those days would be what I may encounter on his side of the fence.  Uncle Pete was always hospitable…although his dog-Prince was NOT!  Later when they moved up the road on the hilltop where they lived till present, BBQ's and pool parties were always looked forward to with much anticipation.  I am not sure where or how it began…but at some point I had begun to have an enhanced relationship with him.

After receiving my driver's license…it did not take long for Uncle Pete to call me up and say “I want to take you out for coffee”….so along he comes in his Mercedes sports car to pick me up….or so I thought. As I proceed to get in the passenger side he gives me a look…and I wonder and glance around as he states: “ I want you to drive!” …..well I wasn't even sure I wanted to drive his sport car (perhaps lacking some courage….or perhaps some distance fear…) but drive it I did!

I had many coffees with Uncle Pete, which began at the Touch'n Go Café at the Airport. Along with my Dad…Uncle Pete had become one of my mentors along as I matured and grew up and was provided with many stories of life… and of course, business dealings.  I was like a sponge listening and taking in what I could and asked many questions of him. Many a times I would question him on things like what is achievable in negotiations, what goals does one set, and how does one get there. Uncle Pete would always encourage me and lite the drive in me to succeed.  He challenged me to run for the Board, and so I did with his full support… His motto was “You work hard-and you run to WIN…or don't run at all”

Somehow I ended up working some weekends on the Railroad and got exposure to that side of his business.  I recall another time…during a Real Estate market correction…Uncle Pete called me up-“it was time for a lunch meeting”… (Breakfast was always at Ricky's….just show up before 6am or you would deemed to have slept in and thus be lazy--- Lunch was a steak sandwich at Sparta's and later on at Lou's)….any ways back to the meeting…”I want you to build houses for me” was pretty much an opening line that day.  We drove by the subdivision that he proposed to buy…if I would take charge and do the contracting part of it.  Although I had some building experience with Redekops and Krahns at the time…I  researched the market & eventually declined the offer as the market was too soft and I felt I would lose money at that time-all be it Uncle Pete would guarantee me a wage.  I think I really disappointed him that day, as I reflected and realized he just wanted to build houses with me-profit was probably a secondary issue if one at all at the time.

This did not stop the opportunities with Uncle Pete… and soon he called again…this time to partner in a feed truck as we had expanded (with M&D's help) Dad's farm at home (along with our sisters). Eventually this led to an opportunity to run his Broiler farm- but I disliked big equipment and feed hauling was part of the job criteria (maybe it was the overalls??) He constantly mused at my refusal of buying coveralls and rain gear-as I explained to him; “if you buy them- you may end up using them”…which I really did not prefer…and thus we laughed together (but mostly at me I think) when we debriefed on Saturday mornings of how much it rains in November … (I was working @ a high-rise site at that time…foundation up…no raingear…in the mud –get the picture?)  I must admit…not all our dealings went without glitches- they did occur and we eventually would work through them.  One case I recall quiet clearly…and I believe may have been the first signs of his illness. The opportunities continued and eventually instead of running his Broiler farm…we (siblings included) ended up buying it instead.  Uncle Pete claimed he was tired of the farm so it was time to sell; so I questioned him why he would buy the Turkey farm just down the street within the following year.
His response was quiet simple….”I'm buying it now; because one day down the road…you're gonna buy it back from me.”  I must say…Uncle Pete always had the foresight…and yes that day did come where we had those discussions on the Turkey farm.

Uncle Pete was a driver…and he drove me hard I think…and I mean in a good way.  He was never afraid to step up to the plate and accept a challenge…and chipped at my character flaws; and yes sometimes that hurts…but as with any sport or fitness program or any business venture….without pain- there is no reward.  Without the pain, as Christ shed his blood for us…we would have no life- no gift - no reward.
Ricky's has since closed; and the walk to Tim's just won't be the same!

I miss My Uncle Pete!

Nephew,  Walt

Someone once gave me a card that said "Those who weave color into our lives, leave us with a tapestry of beautiful memories."  My memories of Uncle Pete are bright red, orange and yellow!  I remember fun vacations at your house as a kid.  Then many years later coming for a visit with our kids.  I remember Uncle Pete challenging our daughter Lisa to a game of tennis.  Both were fiercely competitive.  It was inspiring to watch!  Tante Mary, Marian, and the whole family...my prayer for you is that your memories go way back, and that those memories bring you healing.

Tante Mary. A hug to you from the prairies. I have thought of you so many times this past week. I appreciate your genuine kindness and patience.

Just wanted to add to my poem that I wrote.  I got up the day of the funeral and decided to write a poem to honor my uncle Pete.  I remember as a young lad being as his wedding and seeing his wedding car, a black ford galaxy with a continental kit with dual chrome exhaust pipes.  Wow I was impressed, still am.  One of my first memomories of my uncle Pete and I was about 5 years old.  Rest in peace Uncle Pete you were a man of many talents.

I'm sure you are all exhausted this evening. What a week!! I just wanted to let you all know that you did an amazing job of honoring your Husband, Dad & Opa today. I really appreciated your family's transparency. You opened a window into his life... a window into your family's life. Thank you.  He clearly wasn't defined by the illness that afflicted him in these later years. 
My fond memory of Peter Siemens took place many years ago when he agreed to sell me a car. Only problem was that the car was out in Edmonton and I would have to drive out there with him, to pick it up. I didn't know him well at that point and the thought of being together for 12 hours made me somewhat nervous. I wasn't sure how we would fill the time. Well, it turned out to be a very enjoyable drive. We talked non-stop, all the way to Edmonton. His favorite topic was his daughters. He was so proud of each one of you! 
Blessings to you as a family as you build on the STRENGTHS that he left you. He will be there to welcome each of you, into the Home our Heavenly Father is preparing for you. Amazing Grace!!

MY UNCLE PETE

My uncle, my foreman, my mentor, my boss.
Today we've assembled, to remember his loss.

Mom's youngest brother, he hoed a tough row.
His life's achievements, continue to grow.

Uncle Pete employed many, of which I was one.
Performance was expected, fall short you were done.

A builder and farmer, the man in the choir.
A man of many talents, true blue his desire.

In business an engine, front of the train.
The tracks he's laid, will always remain.

The freight came in early, his job now complete,
A locomotive in heaven, now is his seat.

Written by Rudolf Braun (nephew)
August 24, 2012

Dear Aunt Mary and family, 
May you have times of peace and times of reflection of the good and special moments of Uncle Pete.  My heart pains for you and I send you my deepest sympathy.  May you find comfort in your memories and in each other.

OBITUARY

Peter H Siemens

13 May, 1936 – 19 August, 2012

Woodlawn Funeral Home

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