David C Peter

With the softest of final breaths, quiet hours before dawn, David Peter succumbed to liver cancer. The cancer was swift and he was spared from its worst cruelty by the vigilant care of nurses of Unit 7a in the Victoria General.

We will not dwell on the sadness of losing a husband, a father and a brother. Instead we celebrate the generous life, the most dedicated provider and our most tireless protector. Dave was born in Estevan, Saskatchewan. He was the second of four brothers who learned to work hard at the Firestone shop owned by their father. In 1961, Dave left home for university in Saskatoon. There were so many stories of extracurricular antics it’s a wonder there was time to study. Between classes and exams, he went on a blind double date to help out a friend. When Dave described meeting his half of the deal, he fell in love with her at first sight. Shirley Mills soon found the same love. Married by candlelight more than 46 years ago, they were each other’s best friends—spending countless hours together and collecting a lifetime of rich memories and adventures.

With Shirley, Dave had two children, Richard and Allison. Both enjoyed their father’s never-ending support. When Richard started building furniture, Dad sent power tools. When Richard and his partner, Kevin, bought land for a cottage, Dad said, “The best investment will be the time you spend there.” Indeed, their lakeside investment became Dad’s “Healing House.” Dad, our protector, helped with smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and all manner of safety equipment. Dave was generous with safety tips, stock tips and lottery dates. “Make sure you get a ticket,” he would encourage. Allison has never bought lottery tickets, arguing that she won the lottery when Dad became her father. Dad shared a special relationship with Allison, experiencing much of the world through her eyes. Dave also loved his work. His round-the-clock commitment to customers reflected the heart of an entrepreneur and the fact he considered customers friends. Many of Dave’s customers felt they same way about him. For many years, Dave was an employee of Smith International. When Dad created his own company, Rainbow Drilling, he remained an agent for Smith. His 40 years of service was recognized less than a month ago. Dave had a generous heart. He helped to save wolves in Nova Scotia and sponsored children in Haiti. He would discretely surprise the boy with Down’s syndrome packing groceries by slipping a toonie into his hand. After a moment of confusion, the tip earned the widest smile. Dave became a technology geek who didn’t want but could never resist the last i-toy. Thankfully his enthusiasm was matched by a neighbour’s expertise. Normand d’Eon was a devoted friend and “help desk” who became family. Dave is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children Richard (Kevin) of Calgary and Allison (John) of Beijing; brothers: Warren (Donna), Robert (Karen) and Glen (Jan). Dave was predeceased by his parents Philip and Nellie and in-laws, Bud and Mabel Mills. We already miss his protection, his humour, how much he enjoyed watching Mom laugh, and countless short phone calls to simply remind us that we were always on his mind and in his heart. In keeping with his wishes, a small memorial will be held on Wednesday, May 16, at 11 a.m. at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.