We Remember
WERRY, Peter Norman
September 24, 1947 — February 24, 2021
Peter Norman Werry passed away peacefully in the company of his family after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, which he faced with courage, strength and a sense of humour.
Born in Bowmanville, Ontario, Peter graduated from Western University and headed west to pursue his dreams of playing professional football for the Saskatchewan Roughriders and the BC Lions. He became a high school physical education teacher and attained his Master’s degree in education. Peter was a respected part of the Expo 86 Corporate Sponsorship Division and went on to become a successful business owner. Throughout the years, Peter was active in the sports community as a coach and league coordinator.
Peter was a great dad and incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren. No one who met him walked away without hearing a story or seeing a photo of his family. He was an amazing man who touched everyone he met with his humour, kindness and tenacity. Peter loved sports, both watching and participating, and was always ready for a ‘friendly’ game whether it be golf, pickleball, hockey, tennis, cards, ping-pong or Mexican Train. The mountains were his passion and he spent many years skiing and snowboarding on the slopes of Whistler and Big White. Peter will be remembered for his commitment to friendships, exceptional athletic ability, adventurous nature and competitive spirit. His family and friends will miss him deeply and will carry the wonderful memories of him with them always.
Peter is survived by his wife Lesley, sons Matthew (Chelsea) and Christian (Amanda), daughter Kate (Danielle), and grandchildren Nora, Addison, Jack and Arianna. He was a loving brother to David and Ruth and a devoted friend to many. Peter was predeceased by his parents and sister Margaret.
He is now resting peacefully in the arms of an angel.
Due to Covid there will be no Celebration of Life. In remembrance, we ask you to tell a story, play a game or hit the slopes in his memory.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Peter was one of my favorite people. Intensely competitive, whether hovering over a 3-foot putt on the 18th green with a loonie at stake, or risking road-rash to make a heroic shot in pickleball. And that DRY sense of humor! Several times I’d wake up at 3:00 am and think “I get it now!”
Your friend,
Dave McLure
Peter was, and continues to be, an inspiration to us for how to live life to the fullest, regardless of ANY limitations! The short time we were privileged to know him will stay with us in memories forever. Our hearts are with all the family, always.
Remembering Peter’s wonderful outgoing personality, always happy to see you, and always happy to easily beat you at a game of Mexican train. He was a courageous fighter, with a wonderful spirit.
May he rest in peace. Our sincere condolences to you Les and your family.
Dianne & Kevin xo
Okay Peter, I’m hitting the slopes at Big White for you tomorrow. Sun run, here we come.
Lesley and family, our deepest condolences.
Much love, Kathy and Sergei
We remember the numerous evenings that we had together sharing great food and a glass of wine. But most of all we remember the wonderful discussions that would go late into the night. Peter’s openness, love of humour and overall warm regard for others will always stay with us. Sergei and Kathy
Fortunate to have the company and friendship of this special and courageous man.He will never be forgotten
We are thinking of Peter’s loved ones and remembering him with great fondness. He was a special person, loved by all.
I met Peter and Lesley way back in the days of teaching in Surrey. So many wonderful images come to mind of our times together with Les and Peter – running in the rain, sun and humidity in Kauai, getting tips on skiing at Big White when Peter was on ski patrol, being royally hooped at ping-pong ( last year) and playing pickle ball in Maui, endless games of cards, and emptying the dishwasher together while meeting at the coffee machine in the early morning at their house in upper Mission area. My heart is full of so many special moments but probably the most lasting will be dancing with Peter in their living room in Kelowna despite the fact that his balance was poor he could still hold a firm grip and spin me around. Such an incredible man with great humour and spirit and determination to live each moment to its fullest. Life goes fast but to be so lucky to have these memories forever. My late husband Baird would have had many eloquent more words to share than I, but do know lesley and family that I am thinking of you with big, big hugs and much love. ♥️
Lesley & Family: We were so saddened to hear the news of dear Peter. What a courageous and valiant effort Peter & all of you have endured over the passed several years. We will remember with fondness our times at golf, Pickleball & socializing with you both. Our lives have been enriched by it. We are thankful that Peter is now at peace & wish you continued courage in the coming days.
Fondly,
Peter & Heather Brenneman
I am so saddened to hear of Peter’s passing and wish you comfort in the coming days. I’m here if I can help in any way.
Nancy Weaver
Absolutely loved playing pickleball with Peter. As a beginner, he taught me a lot about the game and about facing challenges in life, as he did so courageously.
I met Peter the day I moved to Kelowna. Since then we have enjoyed so many awesome times while we spent time at the condo at Big White playing Mexican Train, or following him around the mountain as he skied with us. We always made a point to say hello at the Rockets games and often shared dinners and other good times together. Peter was always upbeat and smiling and just a wonderful person to be around. So many memories and thankfully through memories he will be with us forever. I will never forget the evening after dinner when he showed me a video of himself and his friends in from years before. How I wish we’d met him years before as it was obvious Peter has had an incredible life, and made many friends alone the way. I know he was one of my husband’s best friends and we always enjoyed when Peter would just drop in (something lost in today’s society). My heart goes out to his family as I know how much they all meant to him and how proud he was of them. He was always showing us photos and telling us about his children . Hugs and love to you all.
We met Peter and Lesley in Borrego Springs, California and loved them both immediately. Peter was a very special guy, his dry humour always at the ready. There was no doubt he was going to give his all playing pickleball and golf, you could not help but admire this wonderful man. We had many a night of popcorn and Mexican Train, maybe a few adult beverages and we are never going to forget this lovely man. Peter you are rockstar, you will be so missed.
Although we only met Peter a few times in Ottawa when he would come to watch Kate play Ultimate, we found him to be a extremely friendly and very easy to chat with. He had a wonderful spirit that he has passed on to the rest of the family. He loved his grandkids and enjoyed every minute with them. They are lucky to have had him in their lives even for a short time. His love of skiing will carry on with Nora and Jack. Peter you worked so hard through your years with Parkinson’s and deserve a good rest now.
I was fortunate to have played football with Peter at Western when I was a rookie. He was a seasoned veteran and a mainstay of the defensive backfield. Although we hadn’t kept in touch, through teammates I was aware that he was very successful in life which is not surprising as he always had undeniable charisma that drew people to him. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace and enjoy the company of our other fallen teammates..
I played 3 seasons in the defensive backfield with Peter at Western. We had great times and I have good memories of his ability and tenacity Years later I had the pleasure of bumping into him at Whistler and spending the day skiing with him. It was all I could do to keep up and there haven’t been many that I have said that about. It was a great day and we had a glorious time. Tomorrow when I hit the slopes at Blue Mountain I will be thinking of Peter.
I was privileged to coach Peter my first year, his last year, 1970, a the University of Western Ontario. . He was a good athlete, mixed well with a rookie team, proud to be from Bowmanville, loved to rib team mates with his good sense of humour. He had that boyish look about him and always seemed to have a smile on his face. There was always that sense of joy in his effort whether at practice or in the game or life in general. A good man R.I.P Peter
Pete was always a larger than life character. He was a fierce competitor in sports and in life, but always kept his sense of humour. He was a star player at Western & every year he would figure out a way to screw up the Mustang team photo in a way that no one would notice until it was too late. Pete was an inspiration and I will miss hearing his hilarious life stories and his good-natured digs. Pete really loved his family and friends and he will be missed by all.
Dear Lesley,
A lovely tribute for a lovely man.
We have shared it with many others who also care so much for both of you and who have always appreciated Peter for all of his wonderful qualities.
Peter was a pleasure to have in our lives. First got to know Peter on a slo-pitch baseball team, he was so impressive, he actually hit a home run every single time he was up to bat, So many wonderful memories, especially those crazy group golf trips and the Yellowpoint adventures.
Lesley, you and your family are in our thoughts everyday.
Lots of Love❤️💕❤️
Esther and John
I have known Peter from early teens; we played football all through the h.s. years. He was the star (quarterback) who carried us through to a championship our final year. He lost both parents before the end of high school. I drove him to London for the start of his academic and college sports career. We would re-connect when Western played at Queen’s. I could pick out his body language a mile away: lean and leaning forward. We met again occasionally at Whistler or Kelowna. So much in common; a part of me is also gone. Warm regards to Lesley and family.
We were saddened to hear of Peter’s passing but relieved for both of you that his painful struggle has ended. You have both displayed tremendous courage which has been an inspiration to us all. What a trying time this has been for all of you. You can take comfort in knowing you provided Peter with incredible .love and care throughout his illness.. Peter left us with many memories which we will cherish. He took a real interest in our son’s hockey career and managed to see several of his games. We are going to miss his phone calls. Peter always made a point of keeping in touch. You are in our thoughts and prayers and we hope you find comfort in your family and friends. Love the Pither Family
My wife has already posted her thoughts but I wish to add mine. If you did not like Peter, then you do not like people. You will be sorely missed but always remembered. LY – you were a rock.
RIP Peter, you were one of the good guys.
Tim and I met Peter when he and Lesley moved to Kelowna from Whistler.The Peter we met had a great sense of humour a sincere kindness about him and a wonderful way of making you feel special AND he was incredibly handsome !It has been heartbreaking to watch the changes in Peter over the years caused by this devastating disease .It has been a long journey for everyone but he never gave up, he certainly fought the good fight and his zest for life was there until the end . He will be missed .Our love goes out to Lesley and her family as they go though this difficult time.
Love Jeannie and Tim Bird
Dear Lesley and family
We know how challenging this journey has been for all of you and especially Peter and we are sorry for that. It seams surreal that he is no longer with us. He always wanted to be doing everything he was accustomed to doing and even though it looked challenging from our point of view he didn’t miss a beat. It is easy to see why he was a successful in being an athlete, family man, friend and entrepreneur. He had a determination that was extraordinary and as others have said, he is an inspiration to us all.
Love the Brownings.
Thank you Lesley for openly sharing the difficult journey Peter so bravely faced against Parkinsons Disease. We can all learn from your team work against this enemy. My love to you. Suzanne and Ross Anderton.
My mind goes back to the ” old swimming hole” in Wilmot creek, and happy childhood get togethers. Peter obviously led a rewarding life, and he will be missed. May he rest in peace.
A fine tribute to a very special person. We will always have fond memories of Peter roaring around in the golf cart at Borago Springs. The Four Trell times were priceless. Our condolences to Lesley and the family.
Peter, you were the best tennis, golf and pickle ball partner a guy could ever hope for. It was just amazing to see how you could adapt your game with Parkinson’s interfering every step of the way! Your talents got us a lot of free brewskis with you keeping me out of the way so you could finish our opponents off! I am sure you are running the physical activities up there right now, who ever gets you as a partner is playing with a winner! Miss you big guy, John (
David, Marilyn and Werry Family, May your many loving memories give you comfort now and in the days to come. My thoughts are with you.
Ralph Werry (Werry Cousin from Ontario)
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
So so sorry for your family’s loss 🙏
I was just the “hairdresser” but I feel I knew so much about Peter and his family. He such a proud man, I heard so many stories about raising his kids and how proud he is of all them, and how excited he was to be a granda , he loved listening to all my hockey stories, and always wanted to know what Jace and Marin were up to next. He truly was a great guy and I enjoyed his company even if they were short little haircut visits.
I will miss him 🙏😞
So much love you and your family Peter ❤️
It is my hope that Peter is not resting in peace. I hope he is up there dinking and whacking pickleballs, sinking long putts, skiing some powder, enjoying some great food and beer, sharing family stories, insight, wisdom and laughter. My memories of Peter will live on and be a source of inspiration and pleasure..He was the first person ever to play pickleball while rounding Cape Horn on a ship. I was there too and what fun days we had. A top ten dinner followed on March 13 with much to celebrate, He was a wonderful man and all who knew him have been blessed, forever.
Best wishes to Lesley and all his family and friends,
Hugh
Peter was a great man with a good sense of humor. We had many fun times either playing pickleball or visiting. He will be missed dearly, but will never be forgotten. Rest my friend. We miss you.