PETER ANTHONY KOWALYK

Condolences & Memories (15 entries)

• My sincere condolences to Peter's family. He was one of the best! Going into High School I didn't have a clue what I wanted to do with my future. Luckily the Graphic Arts program peaked my interest and it became my major. Who knew that the next 3 years would be the best of my school days? You never heard anyone call him "Mr. Kowalyk", he was always Boss. I looked forward to our daily chats, and there was never a dull moment in his class. Definitely one of the smartest people I've known, he taught me so much. He nicknamed me "Mangie", and loved looking at my holographic eye watch. He'd say "look at eye" in a silly voice, as he crossed his eyes while making a distorted face! It feels like yesterday, I have so many fond memories. Our break time and lunches were spent in Graphics, just hanging out with him whenever possible. He was a good friend, and I wish I could have been there to say goodbye. Boss, I'll never forget your smile and my time with you at the Comp. I miss you tons, but now you can Rest In Peace. And I know you're up there driving someone crazy! 💝 - Posted by: Mandy Hordyski (Hunt) (Student (Grad 1995)) on: Oct 06, 2020

• Just wanted to offer my condolences to his wife and family! He will be greatly missed I have no doubt. I was in Boss's class back in 1996 and I absolutely loved being there. He was a great teacher and made class fun. I looked forward to graphic arts everyday. I didnt do very well in highschool passed by the skin of my teeth in fact and a year late, his class was the only class I excelled in!! Nothing but straight A's. I remember he had to take a leave of absence to get triple bypass surgery and he ended up retiring short after his surgery. He came to visit us at school and broke the news that he couldn't come back to work. We were all pretty heartbroken, but his health was far more important. I will never forget you Boss!! You were one of the best teachers I ever had!! Audrey - Posted by: Audrey (Former student at the Comp) on: Feb 03, 2020

• THE BOSS. This man is the only reason I finished high school. He taught me more then he would ever know. Rest Easy BOSS. - Posted by: Ian Peebles (Student ) on: Nov 02, 2019

• So sad to hear of Peter’s passing. We met Peter and Jan through their neighbours. The two of them were always full of laughter! I am not surprised that they had a long and strong marriage and were a loving couple. Our condolances go out to Jan and Dana and their loved ones! Peter, I hear they have golf clubs in heaven for all the golfers! RIP - Posted by: Myra and Moe Perko (Friends) on: Nov 01, 2019

• Peter was a respected and gifted colleague at Lord Selkirk Regional Secondary School. Condolences to family, friends, and to the students he influenced. - Posted by: Barbara Kelly (teaching colleague) on: Oct 30, 2019

• Peter was the brother I never had. We were life long friends from the time we met in grade school and through our teenage years in the very colourful north end where there was never a dull moment always somewhere to go and something to do with friends. There was Jack's where we hung out on Dufferin Ave. at the foot of Salter Bridge, big seller apple turnovers and cokes and where we all learned how to smoke cigarettes. Nearby was Aberdeen School grounds to throw or kick a ball around or just hang out. Across the road was Derry Dell where our girl friends who worked there sneeked us free ice cream. Around the corner the legendary Selkirk Ave and M.A.C. to shoot pool or just hang out and talk Bombers (Jack Jacobs)...Just across the street was the Whitehouse famous for BBQ ribs (oh ya north end, broken ribs)..Then came our more responsible years job, marriage, travel, etc and lots of golf. I will miss our regular coffee and lunch meetings where we couldn't remember who paid last time and insisted 'my turn ' this time...and then took a half hour to part after saying goodbye. I will truly miss my dear friend. - Posted by: Al Lucas (close friend) on: Oct 28, 2019

• Fondly remembered to our family as Papa Pete. Papa Pete will be missed, we will miss hearing the longing of his hitting the golf ball in the back yard. We will miss seeing his smile as he walked to his vehicle with a huge smile wearing his white game knowing he was hitting the greens. Angus will miss his wittiness, those two laughed about something every time they seen each other. When it came to renovations, Papa Pete always said Angus measure twice cut once, what does Margaret have you doing now. To our grandchildren he was their Papa Pete. He will be missed and was truly the best neighbour and friend. Sincere condolences to Jan, Dana and Clint. The MacKinnon family. - Posted by: Angus and Margaret MacKinnon (Neighbours ) on: Oct 26, 2019

• My sincere condolences to you Jan, as well as Dana and Clint. I remember meeting Peter when I worked at Maple Leaf School. His sense of humour had everyone laughing. It soon became evident to me that behind that sense of humour, was a man who cared deeply about others. At the heart of everything was his family. I hope that the memories of the life you shared together help you in your loss. - Posted by: Cheryl Wolochatiuk (Friend) on: Oct 25, 2019

• I met Peter in junior high and St. Johns. Wonderful pal and friend. We spent many hours with all of our buds from the North End and had many great times together. We got together with He and Jan whenever we were in Winnipeg and once when they came to visit us in Dallas. That was really a fun time because Texas had really archaic liquor laws in those days and we had to visit many dives until we finally got served. Peter was such a great guy to be around him and Jan and his brother. I know that he will be missed by all and I pray that God will have a special place for him in Heaven. God bless you my friend.. - Posted by: orie pronozuk (friend) on: Oct 22, 2019

• Jan, Dana and Clint, words cannot fully express the sadness I feel for your loss. I feel a tremendous loss too because Peter told me, many times, YOU ARE FAMILY!!! I felt it and believed it. Jan, you were very blessed to be married to your BEST friend, for so many years. He was extremely loyal, loving and kind. He often told me how fortunate he was to have Genya in his life!! I know the treasured memories you have of him will help you go on, especially remembering that wonderful sense of humour he had!! Please know I will be here for you during this sorrowful time, and always! Lots of Love!! - Posted by: Ricki Daly (Peter referred to me as family!) on: Oct 20, 2019

• My deepest condolences to Jan, Dana and Clint. Life won’t be the same without the presence of this kind, gentle and loving man. I so enjoyed our “foot sessions”, hearing about his latest adventures and updates on Dana and the fur babies. He always made me laugh. I always left the house feeling lighthearted and my bag heavier with perogies and borscht. I am so sorry I will not be able to attend the service but he will be on my mind and in my heart. - Posted by: Jeannette Marion (Friend) on: Oct 19, 2019

• I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Boss, he was truly an amazing person. Boss was on of the most influential people in my life and I credit so much of my success in life to him. He cared so much about me and all of his students. Boss, you were at every major event in my life and I have thought of you so many times throughout the years. I will miss you and I will hold you in my heart. My condolences to your family and friends and all of your students that you helped shape through the years. - Posted by: Kirby-Ann Hintz (Student and Friend) on: Oct 17, 2019

• Sorry for your loss of a wonderful man. Peter was my graphic arts teacher at LSRCSS as well as a teaching colleague when I returned to the school as a teacher. Peter was a kind, funny and caring person who loved to teach and promote his craft as a printer. We had great times in the classroom and the prep room. Peter(Boss) has a special place in my heart. Peace and love to Peter and his family and friends at this time. Sandra Lee(Basson) (nee Horychuk) - Posted by: Sandra Lee (Student and teaching colleague.) on: Oct 16, 2019

• I have known Peter, Jan & Dana for over forty years, first as their next door neighbor. We share so very many dear memories. Peter was such a caring, friendly helpful & devoted man who was content with what he had, unlike some people! Maybe this was partly due to his faith in God. He definitely loved his best friend, who happened to be his wife and life-long partner, Jan! One of the strongest marriages I have ever seen. My deepest condolences to you Jan, Dana & Clint. - Posted by: Linda Gillis (family friend) on: Oct 16, 2019

• My heart is heavy today, and I know yours is too. Words can't describe how deeply sorry I am for your loss. Peter will truly be missed by so many people that had the opportunity to know him. We shared countless and memorable family gathering and I will truly miss him. But I know in my heart he will always be with us. He was an amazing man, husband, father & great friend. I am holding you in my heart. I'm here for you now and always and I wish you peace and comfort as you go through this very difficult time. - Posted by: Judy Cannon (Family ) on: Oct 16, 2019