Joseph Peter Laforest

With sadness we share the passing of Peter on July 31, 2026 at 71 years of age.

Predeceased by his parents, Peter is survived by Kim, the mother of his sons Dominic (Gabriella) and Tyson (Jacqueline). He is also survived by his grandson Miles. He will be missed by his brothers and sisters. He leaves behind his dear friend of many years, Debbie. She saw that he was as comfortable as possible in his last years in Long Term Care.

Peter was born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario as a part of a large family. He excelled in school and enjoyed living in the Merivale Gardens situated in a semi-rural area of the city. He was a talented guitarist starting in his teen years. Early on he was truly a free spirit and chose to meet life head on. Some of his adventures as a young man included solo backpacking across Canada. He was smitten with British Columbia and in the mid-70s decided to live in Hazelton, BC - part of the magnificent Seven Sisters Mountain Range in the Pacific Northwest. He worked at whatever was available. This included a permanent position as Assistant Manager of the Mill there. During his time there he completed a management training program. He continued to hone his guitar skills. He then moved to North Vancouver where he successfully completed the Music Performance Program at Capilano College, now Capilano University.

Peter was a devoted Dad to his boys - fraternal twins - coaching their soccer team for several years. He did his best to be present in their lives despite eventually living on his own. During this time, he worked in the corporate property management field. He continued to play guitar with various ensembles and later offered private guitar instruction.

Peter's illness eventually caught up with him, but without a diagnosis he endured several years of homelessness. This resulted in estrangements from his family, friends and siblings. It was only when he was hospitalized after strokes, that he received a diagnosis of Frontal Lobe Dementia. This was the turning point in his life when he received the care he needed at Fraserview Retirement Community.

Peter was a beautiful Soul. He leaves behind the best of himself. We remember him in better times.

May he have the peace that alluded him in life. Rest in peace, Peter.

Burial will take place at North Vancouver City Cemetery on Aug. 25, 2026 at noon.