Peter Hildebrandt

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our father Peter Hildebrandt on October 1, 2023 at the age of 95. Peter is survived by his daughter Wanda (Sheldon), son Michael, grandsons Easton and Cooper, brother Ed and sister Nettie, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife Patricia, sister Anna and parents Peter and Anna.

Peter was born in the small southern town of Bannerman, Manitoba and grew up during the depression years. He was the oldest of four (Peter, Ed, Anna, Nettie) however he had an additional sister that died in infancy. As a boy, Peter would catch gophers and turn in their tails for a penny each, which he then used to buy sweets. Unfortunately, during this time of his life Peter developed a bad cold, which resulted in the loss of much of his hearing. He attended Henderson School while also helping his father, who was the local blacksmith. In his spare time, Peter loved to play baseball with his friends.

Just before the Second World War, the family moved to New Bothwell and Peter started working at a relative’s farm in Niverville. Peter enjoyed farm life however; it was short lived when the family moved again to the Brooklands area of Winnipeg, where they stayed until 1946 when they moved to Valour Road. Sometime after moving to Winnipeg, Peter stopped attending school and went to work with his dad at Monarch Machinery, where he stayed for 12 years. During this time, Peter attended night school and eventually moved on to the main branch of the Winnipeg Post Office where he sorted mail.

While in Winnipeg, Peter joined the First Mennonite Church. Religion was very important to Peter and he enjoyed many youth activities before discovering he had a natural talent for chess. Peter quickly became quite good at chess, winning the Winnipeg City Chess Championship and even playing in the U.S. Open in 1961.

In 1974, Peter married Patricia Hamilton, who he had bowled with for many years prior and in 1978 their daughter Wanda was born, followed by their son Michael in 1979. Peter continued to work at the Post Office until retirement in 1987, which gave him 31 years of service. Peter enjoyed family life. They spent summers at Winnipeg Beach and got together with extended family as often as possible. Peter continued to play chess, but just for fun and joined a senior’s baseball team. Sadly, in 2001, Patricia passed away suddenly, and life was changed forever. Peter missed their nightly crib games and spending time together.

In 2006, Peter’s first grandchild Easton was born and 2 years later a second grandson Cooper arrived. At this point Peter moved in with Wanda and her family in Ile des Chenes and was a huge help with the kids. Peter loved spending time with his grandsons and enjoyed many years living together. They made numerous trips to the zoo, museums and Tinkertown and spent countless hours bowling and playing mini-golf.

The last several years of Peter’s life were spent in Niverville, first in assisted living and then in a personal care home. Peter made many friends during this time and participated in most of the activities offered. Everyone loved his positive attitude and kind heart.

During his 95 years, Peter touched a lot of lives and he will be dearly missed by anyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. A private graveside service will be held to honour him. As Dad would say, goodbye for now.