Peter Kenneth George Kirchner

Peter was born in Powell River BC on August 13th, 1934, to mother Ethel and father Valentine Kirchner. He was the youngest of their children; previously deceased by John, Joy, and David. He leaves behind his wife Patricia (married 52 years), his two sons Paul and Michael, his daughter in-laws Alma and Amanda, and his two granddaughters, Shayla and Madeline.

A couple years after Peter’s birth, his father tragically passed away, and the Kirchner family moved to Victoria BC, where Peter grew up. Without a father, Peter and his family struggled financially, and they had to work very hard to make ends meet. Peter attended Victoria High School, where he poured his hard work ethic into playing sports. He was an elite athlete, excelling in baseball, swimming, basketball, and track.

After winning numerous prestigious cross country and long-distance races on Vancouver Island, Peter received a full track scholarship to Washington State University. He quickly became a three-sport varsity athlete at WSU as a member of their track team, swim team, and baseball club.

Following his schooling at WSU, Peter furthered his education at the University of Chicago, and the University of Guelph, where he received a Masters degree in Social Work and a Masters degree in Psychology.

Peter met his wife Patricia at a Social Work conference in Toronto. They got married in 1972 and raised their children in Scarborough Ontario.

Peter served his community as a dedicated Social Worker for the Scarborough Board of Education. He helped hundreds of children with behavioral problems and guided their teachers and families in ways to better support them. For his exceptional efforts, Peter was nominated on multiple occasions for the Anson Taylor award. He was recognized for founding the ‘Youth Assisting Youth’ program in the Scarborough School District, which connected troubled younger students with older exemplary students who acted as role models and mentors. Peter retired in 1999 after 30+ years as a Social Worker and moved back to his beloved city of Victoria soon after.

Peter enjoyed his retirement swimming and playing bridge, golf, and lawn bowling (former Sidney Lawn Bowling Club champion). Peter had a great love and passion for playing the piano. He started playing at 3 years of age, playing by ear. As he battled dementia for the last 10 years, Peter always remained happy and in good spirits. Up until his end of life, Peter could still play a few songs, with his dedicated wife Patricia often singing alongside him.

Though Peter grew up without a father, he committed himself to the role of being the father he always wanted to have.

Full of love, dedication, and passion, Peter lived an honorable and noble life.

His best friend growing up was his springer spaniel Debbie, who he attributed teaching him how to love.

In his habitual walks with Patricia, no dog could walk by Peter without being affectionately petted and loved.

You will be greatly missed Mr. Kirchner. May your heaven be full of love, music, and puppies.

There will not be a funeral service for Peter’s passing. A celebration of life will take place on Vancouver Island in the fall with close family and friends, as well a small private family celebration of life will take place in Chatham, Ontario (fall time).

In lieu of flowers, the family asks to please send donations to the BC SPCA to honour Peter’s extensive love for animals, at BC SPCA | The B.C. Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust" - Psalm 91:1-2