We Remember
SOMERVILLE, Peter Frederick
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PETER FREDERICK SOMERVILLE passed into the Lord’s arms on Friday, July 19, 2019 at the age of 88. He is survived by his daughter Nancy of West Kelowna; sons Terry (Karen) of Campbell River, and Michael (Saundra) of Mississauga; 7 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and 14 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Doreen (née Blaney) in December 2016, and his brother Richard (Betty) in 1973.
Peter was Godly, wise, gentle and funny, a man of intelligence and deep integrity. With every member of his family he was always present, interested, and caring, and kept his wonderful dry wit to his last days.
Music was his passion and life. He was an accomplished bassoonist and played locally in the Kelowna Concert Band, the Okanagan Youth Orchestra, as well as the London Symphony Orchestra in London Ontario. He founded and arranged music for a local woodwind quintet with a group of superb musicians, but still somehow wound up a bassoonist in a banjo septet in Mesa, AZ. His baritone voice was in many choirs, including an a capela choir led by Doreen in London and the Chordial Invitation barbershop group in Kelowna. He and Doreen also led worship at large faith gatherings.
He was the Administrator for the Faculty of Music at the University of Western Ontario, a TV producer and director at CFPL TV in London, and Chairman of the Board of Education there. He also produced and hosted a syndicated classical music radio program and directed musical theatre.
A Celebration of his wonderful Life will be held on Sat. August 3rd at 3:00 pm, Powers Creek Community Church, 3718 Glenway Road, West Kelowna BC V4T 1E2. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Saturday, August 3, at 3:00 pm
Location
Powers Creek Community Church
Sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. I have fond memories of the time I worked with him at CFPL TV London and also when I worked with him at U.W.O. Peter was a wonderful man. I’m very glad I knew him..
Dear Nancy, Terry and Michael: Voices from the past – Percy and Sue O’Driscoll – we have many fond memories of all of you especially your Mom and Dad. We did not know that Doreen had died and word of Peter’s death came this morning. Needless to say you are in our prayers at this time and you will be in our thoughts on Saturday. Every blessing Percy and Sue
I had the good fortune to play bassoon next to Peter in the Kelowna City Concert Band and the Okanagan Youth Orchestra for 16 years. When i wasn’t sure how to play a piece, I would just listen to Peter playing, and have a musical goal to work towards. He gave me a thousand free lessons, and helped me to appreciate music and the bassoon. Wise and humorous. Thank you, Peter.
Our sympathy and sincere condolences to the whole family. A life well lived. Earth’s loss, Heaven’s gain.
Peter & Manuela Kesseler, Lauren, Daniel & Jordan
My sincere sympathy to the family. Peter was a faithful and loyal support to me and many others in the Faculty of Music,
I will always remember when Peter and Doreen we’re sitting outside the front of their home how they would call me over when I walked by with Bentley. They loved to pet him and we would chat briefly. They were always hospitable and their smiles were contagious. Rest In Peace dear Peter. You are home now again with Doreen
I have happy memories of Peter, both as a colleague in the Kelowna City Band and – occasionally- in his wind quintet. Peter’s knowledge of chamber music was boundless and his joy of playing was infectious. Thank you for the music, Peter!
What a great family! Inspiring! We are thinking of you all at this time and send hugs and prayers.
Dear Nancy Terry and Michael, my sincere condolences for your loss. I have fond memories of many prayer meetings at the house in London Ontario as well as lunches with your dad at times when I needed encouragement. He was a great man of faith who never hesitated to be of help to anyone. It was an honour to serve with him in the Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship in London Ontario.
Tony Bouwmeester, Port Rowan Ontario.
My sympathy to Peter’s family. Peter trained me when I began my job at the Don Wright Faculty of Music at Western. I’m a bassoon player too so we had a great deal in common. He was so helpful and I truly appreciated his dry sense of humour.
My deepest condolences to all the family. Peter was such a fine man and a fine musician. We always enjoyed our chats when he came to the Music Library. He has been an inspiration to so many students and colleagues. God bless him and may he enjoy his eternal reward.
Our sympathy goes out to all who knew Doreen and Peter, especially their family. Their lives were pure examples of true Christianity. We will miss them.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Nancy and family. Your Dad, Peter was well loved and appreciated in our Community of Canyon Ridge. Peter will be missed by so many of us.
So sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. I haven’t seen him since he and your mom were present at my son Tyler’s wedding but remember him fondly from Norm and my visits to London years ago.
May you Rest In Peace
Our thoughts, prayers and condolences to out to you and your family…from your Somerville Family World-Wide. Take comfort in knowing that Peter has now joined that ‘Celestial Symphony’ and is sharing his musical talent with all eternity.
Dear Nancy, Terry and Michael. My sincere condolences on your loss. Your dad dragged me “kicking and screaming” out of a part time K-mart gig I had in the early 70’s when I was still in high school and brought me to CFPL Radio to assemble the classical music programs he was producing at the time. This set me on a 9 year stint at CFPL producing, hosting, recording, you name it, which were truly some of the most enjoyable years of my working life. And all that from one fairly brief meeting at the very first ever London Pro Musica concert! The Lord moves in mysterious ways. I am forever grateful to your dad for the opportunity he gave me, and I sincerely hope this little anecdote brings a bit of a smile to your faces at this time. My thoughts are with you all.
Condolences to the family and friends of Peter. I periodically emailed a Peter who lived in the West because he was connected to the Somerville family who lived on Beattie Avenue in London and who were members of Trinity United Church. I finally found the obit from the London Free Press that I had cut out and I am wondering if this is the Peter that I remembered or not. I would appreciate if you could email me at justmomfor5@yahoo.com and I can pass the information on to others who would remember the family. Thank you very much. Bonnie Spencer-Beer