Peter Fabris

Obituary

Passed on

February 20th 1927 – February 26th 2018

RIPOSI IN PACE

Peter Fabris passed away peacefully on Monday, February 26th, 2018, at Riverview Health Center in Winnipeg, with his family by his side. He was 91 years of age. Peter is survived and his memory cherished by Louise, his wife of 65 years, daughters Donna and Gayle, grandchildren Randy, Matthew and Gary and great-grandchildren, Darian, Brendon, Kaitlyn and Alyssa. Peter is preceded in death by his father Girolamo, mother Velia, brother Fred, sister Geza and his daughter Marilyn. Peter was born on February 20th,1927 to immigrant Italian parents Girolamo and Velia Fabris of Balmoral, MB. He was the youngest sibling to his sister Geza and his brother Fred. Peter attended school in Balmoral and then at age 17.5 in August 1944, he joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve (RCNVR) and served our country during World War II. After the war ended, Peter worked in a mine in Bissett, MB for a year and then with the Canadian Pacific Railway for a few years, before commencing employment at Stony Mountain Institution in July 1950. He married Louise (nee Dumore) in 1952 and they lived in Winnipeg and raised three daughters, Marilyn, Donna and Gayle. Peter retired from the prison in December 1983 after 33.5 years of public service. Following his retirement, he worked part time with Brinks for a few years and also learned how to play the tenor saxophone. Later, well into his sixties, he pursued his childhood interest by once again taking up the accordion, an instrument he particularly favored, given his love of polka music. Peter was an intelligent man who loved to read. He knew everything about history, his favorite subject, however, he could be counted on for his knowledge and sound advice on nearly any topic raised. He had a talent for interesting conversation, shared many a good story and possessed a remarkable sense of humor. He insisted that laughter is the best medicine of all and often reminded us that there is a humourous side to every situation, no matter how difficult. For example and befitting the current circumstances, we recollect Peter’s chuckle during his now and then recitation of an epitaph on a grave marker in a British cemetery. It went like this: “Pause my friend, as you walk by, As you are now, so once was I, As I am now, so you will be, Prepare my friend, to follow me.” And a visitor added, “To follow you is not my intent, Until I know which way you went!” Peter maintained a positive outlook and attitude throughout his life. Upbeat and outgoing, he thoroughly enjoyed family dinners and get togethers, helping others, yardwork, gardening, caring for the family pets, folklorama, concerts, travelling, music, great cologne, making his own beer and wine, keeping up on world events, sponsoring a goat named Luigi, chit chatting with friends and neighbors or anyone he’d meet, a good plate of spaghetti, watching Coronation Street every night with Mom and Lawrence Welk on Sundays and making sure all the outdoor critters were fed. Above all, Peter was a man who was truly devoted to the happiness and well being of his family. He was an incredibly supportive, kind, generous and caring soul. He was always there for us. There are no words to express just how deeply he will be missed. Forever loved, he will live on in our hearts forever. Peter said he wanted things kept simple. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. A graveside service and internment is planned for late spring at the Victoria Cemetery, Balmoral, MB. Peter said that according to the scriptures, we are suppose to leave this earth for something better. He said, no tears please. Peter held a special affection for animals, especially those in need and throughout his life he generously contributed to animal welfare in any way he could. Please consider honoring Peter’s memory by making a donation in his name to Craig Street Cats, 16-1421 St. James St. Wpg. MB. R3H 0Y9 or the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter, 3062 Portage Ave. Wpg. MB. R3K or any animal rescue shelter of choice. We would like to thank family, friends, neighbors and Peter’s health care providers for all their help, kindness and support throughout Peter’s brief and valiant fight against cancer. Peter kept the following poem tucked in a bible that he kept by his bedside.

To Those I Love And Those Who Love Me   When I am gone, release me. Let me go I have so many things to see and do. You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears, Be happy, we had so many years. I gave you my love and you can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown But now it’s time I traveled alone. So grieve a while for me if grieve you must Then let your grief be comforted by trust. It’s only for a while that we must part So bless those memories in your heart. I won’t be far away for life goes on So if you need me, call and I will come. Though you can’t see or touch me, I’ll be near with all my love around you soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I’ll greet you with a smile and “Welcome You Home”. Author: Unknown

---

Comments