REMEMBERING

WITHERLY, Peter Wendell November 2, 1945 − February 23, 2018

Passed away peacefully at home at the age of 72, following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Peter is survived by his loving wife Ellen; his children Michael (Stacy) and Kate (Chris) and their mother Rhoda; step− children Reuben (Glenys), Aurora (Kristian), Erin, and Hans; sister Judith (Arnold); and brothers Claude and Paul (Diane). ’Papa Pete’ will also be greatly missed by his and Ellen’s nine grandchildren and one great− grandchild. Peterwaspredeceasedbyhis parents Wendell and Ella Witherly. Peter had a lifelong love of music and began playing the trumpet at an early age. Peter earned both a Bachelor and Master’s Degree inMusicfromtheUniversityofAlberta. In 1971 Peter accepted a teaching job in Prince Rupert, British Columbia, beginning a 47− year commitment to teaching and fostering music and the arts in the city. In addition to teaching music in School District 52 for 34 years, he was director of the Prince Rupert Rotary Community Choir, conductor for the Prince Rupert Community Band, director and treasurer for the Prince Rupert Community Arts Council, and a member of numerous musical groups. His list of contributions and accomplishments is endless and his death is a huge loss to the music community in Northwestern BC. At Peter’s request, no formal service will be held. A community memorial concert will be held in his honour this spring. If desired, donations may be made to the Prince Rupert & Region Music Society, a cause Peter was deeply committed to, online at http://www.prrms.com/store.html.