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Peter Shewring Obituary
SHEWRING, Peter It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Canadian aviation icon, Peter Shewring. He was a devoted husband to Akiko for forty years, a loving father to Leslie, Diane and Stephen and a doting grandfather to Ellie, Sienna and Parker. Peter's love for flying began almost fifty years ago and his dedication and passion for the aviation industry never faded. He taught, mentored and inspired thousands of pilots in the Canadian flying community for over thirty years. Peter was larger than life, a true Renaissance man. His expansive interests included education, as he served on the North Saanich School Board for many years. Peter also loved studying medical journals, chemistry textbooks, poetry, menus, wines, film, and all genres of music. He could be found dancing to U2 or listening quietly to Franz Schubert's symphonies. A gentleman. An original. Godspeed and only blue skies for you Dad. A service for family and close friends will be held at 2pm on Friday, March 26, 2010 at The Deep Cove Chalet. A public celebration of Peter's life will be held on May 1, 2010, details for this will be communicated shortly. 582905
Memories and Condolences
for Peter Shewring
Sponsored by Leslie Shewring.
55 Entries
George Mackie
December 30, 2017
Hello Akiko, Gillian and I were sorry to hear of Peter's death but I am writing to ask if you are still painting. We have three of your painting hanging in this room. Please contact me at [email protected]
Kurt Gladesdahl
October 17, 2010
Forty years ago Peter taught me to be a private pilot. He was a true motivator, and inspired me to pursue aviation professionally. My friend, goodbye, and thank you so much.
Randy L'Heureux
July 1, 2010
This is coming so very late and I apologize. I flew as a flight paramedic from 1978 until 1995 when Govt Air was disbanded. I flew hundreds of missions with Peter and truly enjoyed every minute. He was a pilot beyond compare and no matter the weather or approach, there wasn't a minute where we felt we were not going to be fine and going home at the end of the day. He engaged patients and their families and truly made a difference. He was a brilliant man who had such a grasp of our paramedical job that we were all convinced he could have actually done our job! A scholar and a gentleman, many lives were saved with Captain Von Shoestring in command. God bless my friend
May 7, 2010
Dear Aki and family,it was an amazing gathering on May 1st! I was so glad I could attend.The CD is great and I play it often.Thank-you.Lynnie Marshall
May 6, 2010
adios pecos pete
bob gainer, atpl+ifr aero courses
May 1, 2010
I was privileged to get to know Peter while doing my IFR rating. Seldom do you get such a mix of humility, humour, depth of knowledge and fine teaching skills in one man! He truly stood out among the teachers I have known in my life.
Godspeed, Peter. Blue skies always.
In friendship, Amar Shan.
Andrea Lainchbury
May 1, 2010
Dear Akiko, Diane, Lesley and Stephen,
I was so sad to hear about Peter's passing. He was such a wonderful man and an inspiration to all who knew him. He was the kind of man who made you feel special the min that you talked to him . I remember the first time I met him at Ellie's birthday party he sat down beside me and gave me a word of advice about dating a pilot . I took his advice and I am now married to him . He was the kindest,sweetest man who always made you laugh and brought a smile to your face . I am so happy that I got to know him .. He will be missed
Wayne Moss
May 1, 2010
Peter inspired so many people in the aviation industry, he was a great guy and had a gift for inspiring everyone he met..
My condolences to his family and everyone he touched over the years..
Keep the dirty side down..
Wayne Moss
Jim Bartlett
April 28, 2010
I met Peter in the Fall of 1968 when, as a UVIC student, I found a part-time job with the CKDA/CFMS radio stations in Victoria working nights. Peter worked in the news room at the time and we became quick friends. I quickly learned of his passion for aviation - I remember that he was working on an instruction manual at the time. As a young chap (19 at the time) I was most impressed with this gentleman's interest in a multitude of endeavours!
Peter and I shared what I believe to be one of the most important events of human history. We were working together at the radio stations on January 21, 1969 when, just before 8 pm Victoria time, astronaut Neil Armstrong of Apollo 11 placed the first human foot upon the moon. It was a privilege to have shared that most precious moment with a person as passionate as Peter and I have never forgotten how special that was.
The world is a poorer place without Peter, yet much richer because of the time he has spent among us. My sincere condolences to his family and thanks to them for sharing him with us all.
Jim Bartlett
Kamloops, BC
Jay McGowan
April 28, 2010
40 years ago, I was among the many Air Cadets that Peter patiently shepherded through the qualification exams and pilot license groundschool. I continued under his guidance through to an Air Transport Rating. His enthusiasm for aviation was a driving force to becoming an airline pilot.
Gentleman, scholar, motivator, teacher, his life touched and will continue to touch all who knew him.
Thank you Peter. You have transitioned to the highest plain of aviation possible. Godspeed.
Derek Chow
April 26, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Shewring family. I had the good fortune of serving with Peter on the Saanich School Board (SD 63). Peter, who was a strong advocate for public education, had a command of the English language and when he made a motion in his strong "radio" voice we all took noice. We also had some "bonding" time at our education retreats. Oh yes, he often spoke about his aviation experiences. He will be missed but not forgotten.
Richard Pulman
April 25, 2010
I just learned of Peter's passing today and am deeply saddened. Like many fellow pilots, I first met him while attending the Aerocourse and was immediately impressed with his wit, charm, and kindness. Over the years I had the good fortune of running into him in various places and he always remembered me. He'd even throw his car keys my way whenever I was in Victoria over the lunch hour.
He was more than a mentor or icon to me. He was an inspiration and one of the few people in life who I could honestly say "I want to be more like him" about.
May his family and friends find some solace in his legacy and the literally thousands of people who’s lives he touched during his lifetime.
It was indeed an honour to have met such a wonderful man.
Rest in Peace Peter.
Yoshi Godo
April 20, 2010
To Peter
A full month has passed since you left us.
I never knew that was the last time you would drive us down the mountain road to Whistler then to Lillooet.
I never knew that was the last time you were going to answer the phone, "Hey, how's it going? Ms North Vancouver."
I never knew that was the last time I would see you play catch with Ellie, the new orange ball you bought her because the old flat one hurt her hands.
I never knew that was the last time you would explain to me some aviation jargon that excited you and was completely foreign to me.
I never thought of an ending...
We all love and miss you.
Corey Young
April 19, 2010
I too will add my name to the many pilots on whom Peter had a very positive influence. Although, I only had the privilege of attending one of his seminars, I was very impressed from the beginning. To me, he was the epitome of a professional pilot. His demeanor, wit, and enthusiasm combined with a vast knowledge of all things aviation, made the experience truly worthwhile! His example will, indeed, be missed by so many.
My sincere condolences to Peter's family and friends in your sudden loss. Please know that he has left a very impressionable mark on myself and, no doubt, thousands of others.
April 16, 2010
April 16
it is with great shock and sadness we recently learned of your loss.
We have many happy memories from school days with the kids, to Peters playing with Elllie in the garden, get togethers at Christmas and summer bbq's.
We will miss seeing his smiling face
and always great sense of fun.
we were privileged to spend a very happy evening with peter and Aki recently.
Our family sends our love to yours,
Anne and Tony Charles-Roberts
April 16, 2010
Summer 1955 - Vancouver Island
Robert Gorman
April 11, 2010
I just learned of Peters passing . to say I was shocked is an understatement. Peter helped me in my Aviation career at just the right time. If I hadn't met him I would not be where I am today. There are not many people that have made such a difference in so many people lives. A true gentleman . I will have a beer for him tonight, beer low level light on.
Capt. Robert(Bob)Gorman
Riyadh Saudi Arabia
April 9, 2010
I will always remember sharing a beer and good conversation at the Port with Peter. He was a gentleman's gentleman and will be sadly missed. Godspeed, Peter.
Cheryle Borowski
Danielle Cardiff
April 5, 2010
Dear Mrs Shewring, Diane, Leslie, and Stephen.
It was by chance that I came across the message of your dad's/husband's passing. I was truly sorry to hear of your loss. I remember your Dad fondly from all the time I spent at your house while growing up on Landsend Rd. I have nothing but fond memories of you all. I can still easily picture your Dad's grin and how much he liked to tease and joke around. I can also remember him being a great listener and a fountain of advice. I had fallen out of touch with you when by fluke chance I ran into your Dad outside Tanners in August 2001. I was in town with my 8 month old daughter for a friends wedding. I called to him, he stopped and we spoke for a minute. I remember it felt as if time had not passed. During this difficult time my thoughts are with each and everyone of you.
Sam Brennan
April 2, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Shewring family. Peter was a true legend in Canadian Aviation, a wonderful teacher gifted with wit and grace, who made all feel part of the team as he taught his ATPL students. I can still hear him, launching into a story with " Your sitting there, Eyeballs caged, mind in neutral, .......". Thank you Peter for the laughs, great advice, lessons and encouragement you gave myself and thousands of other young aviators, who's lives you touched.
Sincerely,
Capt. Sam Brennan
Antwan Danial
March 31, 2010
I had the honour of being in 2 of Mr. Shewrings courses and words cannot explain the fountain of knowledge Peter was more than willing to pass on to his students! He related things in such a way that no matter what, you could understand and do well with the material he presented! I, along with many other at our flying club, well miss Peter and wish his family our condolences! Peter Shewring, God's gift to Aviation!
Peter, sending you best wishes and love and you will always be remembered at the OFC!
Sincerely,
Antwan!
Malcolm McIntosh
March 30, 2010
My condolences to Peters family and close friends.
I met Peter early in our careers while building time between out private licenses and our commercial. We shared an aircraft from time to time doing instrument approaches and had such a great time.
I kept in touch by running into Peter at various airports throughout our careers. I will miss those chance meetings.
Alan Aylwin
March 27, 2010
It was with a heavy heart and long ago memories that I read of Peter's passing.
He and I first met in Vancouver in the early 50's---he and his Mother, Gwen were visiting relatives across the street from us.
About 1951, he moved to Victoria, then up to Port Alberni and Parksville area.
My sister, Heather and I visited him there around 1955----in the meantime, our family had moved to California and we saw less of him. Fortunately, we had introduced him to our cousins, the extended Foster family and we did hear some limited news
He was a true gentleman and his life touched many.
Sincerely, Alan Aylwin, Tacoma, Washington.
email [email protected]
Sean McAreavy
March 27, 2010
It is with much regret that I hear of Peter’s passing. I too was one of the many who also took his ATPL course. It was a joy and learning experience, but most of all he made it fun.
Later in the years I would run into him at the Flying Beaver or Port o’ Call in YYC. He always had time to chat and have a beer with. I would tell him he was the most recognizable voice in the air because he would remind me of Paul Harvey just waiting to tell us “the rest of the story”
I will always treasure those moments. Take care big guy!
March 27, 2010
Dear Akiko and family,
Please accept my condolances to the loss of your beloved Peter.
Peter was always so kind to me, whenever he saw me out in the garden, he'd take the time to come out, and say hello, and kindly remark on something about the work I had done.
Thinking of you with great love and support,
Sarah Wakefield
Kenneth Wright
March 26, 2010
Peter was an inspiration to all that had the privilege of meeting him. He happily shared with us his wealth of knowledge, and we are all better pilots for having met him. Thank you for the memories Peter.
My most sincere condolences to Aki, Leslie, Diane, Stephen and the rest of the family.
Jeff Baylow
March 26, 2010
Peter had the gift of sharing his knowledge and wisdom in a truly enjoyable manner. He seemed to always have time for a quick coffee, and he showed a sincere interest in the career progression of young pilots. It was as if he gained immense joy upon hearing of the success of aspiring aviators. I feel extremely fortunate to have met Peter during my early years as a pilot. He was a kind, sincere and wise mentor.
Thank you.
Coast Tsawwassen Inn
March 26, 2010
Peter was a special guest at the Coast Tsawwassen Inn. He had been teaching his flight school classes at the hotel for as long as we can remember.
His warm smile and charming personality was always appreciated.
We will miss Peter.
From the staff and management of the Coast Tsawwassen Inn
Leona Sutherland (nee Platt)
March 26, 2010
Dear Aki, Leslie, Diane, and Stephen
I wish to express my deepest condolences to you.
Such fond childhood memories of the times spent with your family flood my mind. I remember the time Peter took us to Gyro park, to Gwen’s for grilled cheese, and to have tea with his Mom. I remember the games Peter played with us, and just being at your house with all the laughter, hilarity, kindness and graciousness always shown by Peter. He was a special man, and has left such warm and happy memories of my childhood.
May God bless you. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Les Little
March 25, 2010
Dear Aki and family, We were saddened to hear to Peter's early passing. Peter was a very unique individual who's character, knowledge, sense of humor, dedication and loyalty has touched thousands of people. It was always a joy and pleasure to have Peter come and instruct and stay with us. All of our heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family at this very sad time. Aviation friends, Les and Terri Little
May Kald
March 25, 2010
Dear Aki, Leslie, Diane, Stephen and family,
Your Peter was special. He truly enjoyed people and it showed in all he said and did. He took the time to learn their special interests and their backgrounds. He befriended, charmed and entertained. He was unfailing in displaying old-fashioned courtesy and always generous, whether sharing humour, an idea, a meal or a drink. His breadth of knowledge could surprise you and he loved a good discussion and a good joke. While he made you laugh, he also made you think. Whether he was teasing or teaching , you knew he cared.
We feel lucky that we were able to get to know Peter both as friend and neighbour. We will never forget him.
May and Mike
Barry and Vera Gear
March 25, 2010
Our condolences, Peter's vitality for life will be remembered by all who knew him. A sad day for us all but his contributions will live on!
Mike Stanlake
March 25, 2010
My deepest condolences to Peter's family. I was so saddened to read of his passing. I first met Peter by chance at University when we ended up lab partners in a Biology course. You could just not help but like Peter, his wit, quick smile, and infectious laugh made him such a pleasure to be around. We would run across each other throughout the intervening years, our son's played once on the same baseball team, and every time I met Peter he was always upbeat, would love to talk about his family and usually about some recent medical research he had read.
Eventually I too took up flying, and it was there that I found what a truly special person Peter was. He has left an indelible mark on Canadian aviation and his legacy will live on, everyone he touched both admired and respected him. I was proud to call Peter a friend, and I will truly miss that bright smile.
March 25, 2010
I met Peter many years ago When I worked at the Richmond Inn. I would still meet him in hotels or airports occassionaly. A warmer kinder man, I never knew. Peter, I will miss you.
Hessel Oerlemans
Ilona Douglas
March 25, 2010
Dear Akiko and Family, It is with great shock that I learned of the death of your beloved husband, father and grandfather, Peter. I remember Peter fondly. He always had a kind word to say, interesting conversation to share, made you feel special and always had a smile on his lips. You were married 40 years to this wonderful man who shared 40 years of happiness with you, Akiko. Please know you are in my thoughts. I'd like to share with you a quote from an Irish headstone "Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal." Ilona Douglas, Randy Douglas and Jennifer Hobson (nee Douglas)
John Cove
March 24, 2010
Dear Akiko, Leslie, Diane and Stephen, We want to let you know we are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr Peter. We feel as if we have lost a close family member. He will always be remembered by all of us, weather it be gatherings at our house, your house, Whistler or on trips. These places will always generate memories, laughs and funny stories to last a life time from the journey we have been so fortunate to have been able to share, experience and learn from Mr Peter. He is a inspiration to us all. He will be forever in our hearts.
Love and Hugs,
John,Julie,Louis,Elliott and Amelia Cove
Marion @ Len Platt
March 24, 2010
Dear Aki, Leslie, Diane and Stephen,
Our hearts are heavy for you to hear about Peter's passing. We have nothing but fond and delightful memories we shared as friends and neighbours on Melville Drive.
Our gentle giant friend
You have passed through the clouds
All the way
No more wondering
God will hold you now
And we will hold your memories
A man so dear and wise
He had not a disguise
Peels of bellowing laughter
Always heard from the rafters
Every time
Anywhere
For you and for me
Those hikes to the beach,rice balls
and tinkling drinks
Ivory keys of 12th street rag
While your blondies playing tag
Now I will have to wait
To share another bowl of lentil soup
Do I still hold the onion???
Yes godspeed and blue skies for you. Until we meet again.
Marion & Len Platt
March 24, 2010
Dear Akiko, Leslie, Diane and Stephen
We are so sad to hear of Peter's passing. We have nothing but fond and happy memories as we shared fun and happy times with our families on Melville Drive.
Our gentle giant friend
You have passed through the clouds
All the way
No more wondering
God will hold you now
And we will hold your memories.
A man so dear and wise
He had not a disguise
Peels of bellowing laughter
Always heard from the rafters
Every time
Anywhere
For you and for me
Those hikes to the beach,rice balls and tinkling drinks
Ivory keys of 12th street rag
While your blondies playing tag
Now I will have to wait
To share another bowl of lentil soup
Do I still hold the onions???
Yes godspeed and blue skies for you.
Until we meet again.
Roland Stacey
March 24, 2010
Truly the end of an era. Akki, Leslie, Diane, and Steve, my deepest sympathies on Peter's passing. May better times lie ahead.
Peter will always be with us through the stories, advice, and jokes he shared, always right when we needed to hear them.
I have never met a more cultured, well rounded and enthusiastic gentleman, and doubt I ever will.
His legacy includes several generations of aviators who are better, both professionally and personally, for having known him.
Steaks at the Flying Beaver and the many ferry flights home from Vancouver to Victoria will remain some of my fondest memories with Peter.
Thank you Peter.
John Aslaksen
March 24, 2010
I was absolutely shocked and saddened when I learned of Peter's passing. Akiko, Leslie,Diane and Stephen please know that you are all close in thought and will remain in my prayers. I shall treasure Peter's memory always.
Gillian Whipp
March 24, 2010
Dear Aki and family we will truly miss Peter when we come to visit Sidney, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. I wrote some memories of Peter on my blog
http://gillybeesworld.blogspot.com/
Much love and thinking of you
Gillian and family, Calgary AB
Dayna Bramston
March 23, 2010
Peter
In the flash of a moment all has changed,
Life has become different,
Dreams and memories merge into disbelief,
Sadness creeps in,
Takes the controls and grounds the fragile journey of life.
When you walked this earth you flew,
More than with your wings,
With your words,
With your passion for life,
With love and joy.
You were a friend,
A husband,
A father,
A grandfather,
A teacher,
A true earth bound angel.
You lived your life with the throttle wide open,
You brought so much levity to those around you,
Making them join you in the great blue yonder,
Like co-pilots in your flights of fancy,
With no ceiling to get in your way!
Dear Peter…
You will be missed by many,
Due to your days with us being few,
You have left a mark on the souls you touched,
Making unshakable memories.
Please continue to soar,
Letting the tail wind push you towards peace,
Keep you eyes on the horizon,
Our love for you will be like the wind,
Allowing you to glide into the light at the edge of this world.
March 23, 2010
Peter's passing came as a complete surprise to our family having known Peter for over 40 years. During those years, he had a successful marriage; he was a wonderful father; he was a great provider for his family and a loving son to his mother when she was alive.
We send our sincere condolences to Akiko and her family. Hope to stay close to her and the surviving family members.
With long lasting memories of Peter,
Chiyeko & CV Chung and family.
March 23, 2010
Oh 'Perfect Peter' I pray for you to rest in peace and may the light you have shined continue to guide your lovely family towards healing. My life is richer for having met you...you have made a difference in this world. XO Pamela Glover
Gregory Messner
March 23, 2010
Peter,
I never had that last talk with you! The one where you told me that you were leaving. I hadn't planned for the day when you wouldn't call me again! I hadn't planned for the moment when I wouldn't hear your voice on the other end of my cell.
Lets make a deal, I promise to remember every moment that you inspired me; made me feel special, made me want to make you proud.
In turn, you stay behind my shoulder when I am flying through fog and rain, whisper to me that my favorite glass of merlot is waiting for me back at the dock, and that if I fly safe, I will get to live a life as full as yours.
Ok?
Marina Cecil
March 23, 2010
I only met Peter once with my guy Greg, but I have shed many a tear for him. I know how much he and Greg meant to each other and I was so lucky to have met this profoundly respected and loved man. We met over lunch (and later exchanged a couple emails) and I was so impressed with his dry sense of humor, his quick wit, his obvious love of his family and his obvious ability to include and touch many other people in his life. I feel honored to have met him and know how deeply missed he will be in many peoples lives. God speed Peter. Thank you for being you right to the end.
Ryan Verley
March 23, 2010
I have nothing but very fond memories of Peter. He was a person that would alway bring a smile on a rainy west coast day. The effect you had on Canadian aviation is something that will now come to true light. His love and passion for life is a goal that I can only try to achieve.
RIP Peter
March 23, 2010
Peter was a wonderfull and caring teacher to all who new him. He has left us one last lesson.Take the time out of our very busy lives to stay in contact with those we love. Murray Southern
Garth Millar
March 23, 2010
I remember Peter from our radio days in Victoria. Peter was also attending university at the time and after school he would rush down to the station to do his shift. I appreciated Peter's light-hearted sense of humour and as a radio colleague. He took me for a spin in his tripacer one time, but that's another story. He will be missed.
March 23, 2010
You only have to meet him once to miss him.
March 23, 2010
I was so saddened to hear of Peter's sudden passing and I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the entire Shewring family. Your husband, father and grandfather was a wonderful man, someone you can be very proud of .My husband, Brian Smedley and Peter flew together for many years at the BC Government and then for Ainsworth Lumber in 100 Mile House, BC. Brian enjoyed his time with Peter and I know that the two of them are in heaven together having a pint or two. Again, my sincerest sympathies, Tas Smedley
March 23, 2010
Dear Aki, Les, Di and Stephen. I am SO incredibly sad to hear of Peter's passing. He was a wonderful man with so much love that he shared with all around him. He was always so sweet with something interesting or funny to say. I loved that he would humor me and play movie and music trivia with me... it was tough as he was good! So intelligent ... it always amazed me with how much he about so many different subjects. I know he will be missed terribly by so many. Our love goes out to you and we hold you close in our hearts during this sad time. Fondly, Tracy & Eddie xo
Grant Talbot
March 23, 2010
I first met Peter flying the Islander at Navair when he would hop a ride home from YVR.I did his Aerocourse with the boys at Navair and we raised a few pints together to celebrate our success. Our paths crossed on occassion usually in an airport,I had the pleasure of sitting next to him on a flight out to Calgary last fall.Peter was the most amazing person with the kindest spirit I have ever met.I will treasure his stories, his jokes,his laughter and everything else that embodied this great man.The aviation community mourns your loss alongside your family. Godspeed Peter,blue skies and strong tailwinds. My sincere condolances to your family.... Grant Talbot
Barbara Hempsted
March 23, 2010
Dear Aki and family, I am so sad to hear of Peter's passing. He was a wonderful man, and one of my favourite clients! My heart goes out to all of you. I will not be able to be with you at His celebration of life with you because our family are spreading the ashes at French Beach on March 16-17 &18th, for my son Russell, who passed away with cancer January 7th.
Love from Barbi Hempsted.
March 23, 2010
Dear Aki,Leslie,Diane and Stephen, it is with great sadness that I read of Peter's passing.I always will remember how sweet he was welcoming the 'bridge girls' at your place.He seemed so interested in what we had been up to since we last saw him .Thinking of you all..Lynnie Marshall
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