Peter Johan Blindheim

With deep sadness we announce the passing of Peter Johan Blindheim, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and veteran. Aged 96, Peter passed away peacefully on July 18, 2018, at the Camp Hill Veterans Memorial facility, surrounded by his loving wife and four children.

Peter was born in Vigra, Norway, on December 2, 1921, to his loving parents Johanne and Jakob Hans. A lifelong Christian, Peter was raised in Norway until he escaped German occupation at age 18 to serve in the Second World War. Peter served in the Royal Norwegian Navy from 1941-1945. After the war, Peter settled first in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, and later in Halifax.

Peter is survived by his wife, Marilyn; daughters, Johanna Atkinson, Karen (Kevin) Higgins, Wendy (Harry) Westerlund; son, Peter (Meghan) Blendheim; five grandchildren, Heidi Hopf, Ted Atkinson, Shannon Higgins, Lars Tore Westerlund and Melissa Westerlund, as well as his four great-grandchildren, Mitchel Hopf, and Arerie, Addyson, and Aiden Atkinson. He is predeceased by his parents; first wife, Helen; uncle, Eivind, and brother, Jon Norvald.

During Peter’s service in the Royal Norwegian Navy, two of the many ships he served on were sunk and lost at sea. Due to Peter’s actions onboard the Montbretia further loss of life was avoided. For his acts of heroism and selflessness he was awarded many medals but worth noting is the Norwegian war medal for the meritous act of removing the primer of his assigned depth charge between torpedo attacks as the ship was sinking, Peter was one of 27 survivors of a crew of 74 men. He was reported as a hero by Lieutenant A. Tenvik after the battle. It was decided by King Haakon VII in a resolution on September 3rd, 1943, that he would receive the "Krigsmedaljen" Norwegian war medal and was also later awarded the Government of Norway’s Commemorative medal in 2016. This selflessness reflects Peter’s caring nature and generosity of spirit throughout his life. In addition to his faith and time with his family, Peter enjoyed travelling with his wife Marilyn, took pride in his health, skating and swimming, and took interest in cars and automobile maintenance.

Peter spent the final two years of his life at the Camp Hill Veterans Memorial facility, where he and his family made many joyous memories. Known for his gentle demeanor and many stories, Peter was well-loved and respected, and friends with the other residents and staff alike. Peter’s family extends their heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Camp Hill Veterans Memorial facility for their unwavering care and support.

Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 pm on Sunday, July 22, 2018, at Cruikshanks Funeral Home on 2666 Windsor Street in Halifax. A Christian funeral service celebrating Peter’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, July 23, 2018 at the Faith Tabernacle Church on 6225 Summit Street in Halifax, with Pastor Glenn MacLean officiating. Following, there will be a reception in the Church hall, and burial at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Camp Hill Memorial Gardens or Camp Hill Veterans Chapel at 902-334-1546.