January 2, 1932 – May 28, 2011
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Peter James Gregory. Born in Vancouver, BC, he passed away unexpectedly May 28th, 2011 at the Vancouver General Hospital.
Peter is survived by his wife and best friend Cathy, his sister Carol McGinnis, his five children (Janet, Jennifer, Jonathan, Jillann, Matthew) and eleven grandchildren. An extended and loving family joined Peter when he married Cathy including her six children (Joan, Nini, Beedz, Tessa, Will, Alix) and seventeen grandchildren who embraced Peter as one of their own. Predeceased by his first wife Joyce in 2002 and his sister Patricia Feltham in 2001.
He attended Vancouver College in high school and then graduated from UBC with a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in 1955. He played football throughout his academic life and went on to become the first BC Lion ever signed. Peter was an extraordinary man who lived life to its fullest on his own terms, bringing all of those he loved along with him for the ride. He spent his years sailing on the west coast, skiing at Whistler in the early days, driving the back roads on duck hunting expeditions and planning his next business venture.
He was a true entrepreneur who started his own lumber and shipping businesses and built the first full service hotel in Whistler. He always had a new idea or a plan that was usually started on napkins and scraps of paper and then executed on a grand scale. Family meant everything to Peter: in the early years he spent all his free time with his children and as the years went by his grandchildren became an integral part of his life. He always arrived with a box of Smarties and an adventure to embark upon. No seat belts, no rules, good times. Peter will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
A funeral mass and celebration of Peter’s life was held on Saturday June 4, 2011 at 2pm at Our Lady of Perpertual Help Catholic Church, 2465 Crown Street in Vancouver, officiated by Father J. Fitzgerald. Reception followed at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the RainCity Housing and Support Society in Peter’s name.