Peter M. Dowhaniuk

Peter M. Dowhaniuk passed into eternity March 16, 2014 at the age of 90. He was born in Belfield, North Dakota, the second child of Metro P. Dowhaniuk and Oksana/ Signa Evoniuk. His parents were Ukrainian, immigrants from Galicia in the Dniester Valley, a part of the Austrian Empire, which was a large part of Europe. In 1909 pre World War l there was extreme poverty, subservience and exploitation by USSR Landholder and nobility Warlords. were exploited by the Polish and USSR nobility landlords. Our grand fathers heard of the Homestead Act with free parcels of land in North Dakota USA. Upon arrival they immediately filed declaration of intent and became owners of small acreages, with persistence hopes of farming.

In his early years Peter developed a love for books and read all he could. Living and growing up on a farm, he completed high school requirements through a correspondence program and graduated from Belfield High School. Throughout his entire life he enjoyed being a student.

In March, 1944 he joined the Navy. In March, 1946 Peter received an honorable discharge.

He then pursued and earned a Civil Engineering degree in 1950 from University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. His first jobs were overseas in assignments with the United State Government and living in Embassy housing. His passport documents places, jobs in Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Syria the Arab Republic, Rhodesia, Vietnam, Kenya, Japan and Thailand.

In 1971 he earned a Masters in Civil Engineering from California State and registered with the State of California Board of Professional Engineers. As a state employee, his jobs were with The Highway Transportation Department and construction companies. Later he worked for the city of Burbank.

Peter married Suwarnmee Sritonvibooncai in 1996. He became a stepdad to two granddaughters, Rattanam/Num and Ornapa/Nim. In recent years he enjoyed being a stepdad to two granddaughters. Peter always enjoyed music, singing, exercising and keeping fit. He was in good health until the past year.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters Bridget Ann Pettis, Rose Marie Wittlin. His survivors include his wife, stepdaughters and their families. Three sisters survive him. They are Maria Sonya of Oceanside CA. Elizabeth M Papineau of Sun City, AZ, Mary M. Lende of Fargo, ND. One brother, Marvin of Portland, OR, seven nieces and four nephews.

Rest in peace, Dear Husband, Brother, Friend. May the Light of Christ shine upon you.