Peter Cornelis de Graaf
July 13th, 2017
de Graaf, Peter Cornelis
February 1, 1926 – July 13, 2017
Peter passed away peacefully at his home in Elkton, Alberta on Thursday, July 13, 2017. He is lovingly remembered by his family; wife of 63 years, Rita; five children, Patricia (Craig Stewart), Diana (Peter Kleinloog), Michael (Teresa), Carroll de Graaf (Dick Grainger) and John (Margaret); 12 grandchildren, Andrew (Jyotika), Meaghan (Javid), Gregg (Lauren) and Ashleigh; Jennifer (James), Mike (Alissa), Heather (John Demyen) and Steve; Josh (Lydia) and Lauren; Becky and Cody (Tammy); five great-granddaughters, Maddie, Ava, Karma, Malia and Fiona as well as many relatives in Holland. He was predeceased by his three siblings, Marie, Jan and Annie; and by his parents, Arie and Katrien de Graaf.
Peter was born at home in Rotterdam, Holland. His schooling was interrupted by World War II and he became active with the Dutch Underground. By the time he was seventeen, he was delivering secret papers that held the latest news from Churchill in England. In 1946, Peter at age 20, was a member of the ground crew for the Dutch Air Force, Squadron 322 stationed in Semarang on the island of Java, Indonesia, where he stayed until 1950. Peter and Rita met at the Amsterdam Bank in 1951, and were married in 1954. Six days later, Peter and Rita emigrated to Canada, arriving in Calgary on May 2, 1954.
Peter was an entrepreneur and his professional life included running several businesses. A highlight of his career was acting as the President of the Merchants Association of Chinook Centre in Calgary. Even though he had a successful business career, playing the piano and organ was his greatest joy. He retired from business in 1978 at the age of 52 to the area of Elkton, Alberta, where he enjoyed many years of farming. He was an active member of the communities around Elkton, particularly the Cremona Congregational Church, where he played the piano and organ until April 2015.
A private Graveside Service will be held at the Bergen Cemetery.
A Celebration of Peter’s Life will be held at the Cremona Congregational Church, 202 – 2 Street W., Cremona, Alberta on Thursday, July 20,2017 at 2:00 pm.
If friends so desire, donations may be made in Peter’s memory to S.T.A.R.S., Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 8M7.
Messages:
Rita, We are so sorry to hear about Peter. Unfortunately Rob and I were in New York with the kids on vacation and we were unable to make the funeral. We have such incredibly found memories of Peter over the years. He had such a bright spirit and always made us feel like family. Rob and I along with the kids hope you are doing alright and send you all of our love. Love from Angela, Robert, Kaiya and Aidan Wolfson
Very sad news to hear about Peter. My sincerest condolences to all the family. Peter was an amazing man, always with a smile on his face and always the entertainer. All the best, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. Mark Vermaat
We are very sad to hear of Peter's passing. He was a true gentleman and will always remember his sense of humour. Our sincerest condolences to the family.
Dear Diana, Peter and family, So sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Barb and John Jensen
I apologize for the belated message but I somehow lost touch of friends from my home town, Cremona. I heard of Peter’s passing and never had a chance to go to his funeral. I knew Peter and Rita thru my Grandfather, Stanley Pearson, who happened to be very fond of Mr. de Graaf. As a young boy I would watch Peter play the baby grand piano at my grandparents house. He was so full of life and it was contagious. I remember him telling stories while dancing in the living room. He truly was an inspiration to me and I will forever remember his smile and zest for life. God blessed me to know him.