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Col. Peter Leentjes
Col. Peter Leentjes
Obituary
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Peter Leentjes Obituary
Born in the Netherlands, Peter emigrated with his parents to Ontario, Canada in 1952. He graduated from the University of Western Ontario in 1967 and was commissioned in the Royal Canadian Armored Corps. During his career, he was posted to Germany, Cyprus, and France, becoming fluent in French and serving in a French-speaking regiment.
In 1992, he was an Operations Officer for the multi-national peacekeeping force in Bosnia. In 1995, he was chosen to head a newly-established Training Unit within the Military Division of the Department of Peacekeeping Operations and led a small team of officers to develop the training concepts, courses and materiel to assist Member States in developing their capacity to participate in multidimensional operations. Peter initiated ground-breaking programmes and established Training Assistance Teams to prepare military and civilian police from around the world.
Leentjes retired from the Canadian Army in 1999, after having been decorated with the Order of Military Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal. Peter was the founding President of Complex Solutions, Inc., headquartered in Honolulu, which provides peace operations education and training support to such institutions as the Center of Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance and the Center for Civil Military Relations.
He was a champion at involving representatives from the UN Secretariat and Specialized Agencies, non-governmental organizations and human rights groups in training programs to reflect the complexity of modern peace operations.
Peter Leentjes is remembered as a stocky, cheerful man with an easy laugh. A senior UN official was quoted as saying, “Peter was one of those rocks of inspirational leadership, sheer professionalism and dedication that life produces from time to time.” He was in demand around the world as a speaker, advisor and trainer on peacekeeping and continued to support Department of Peacekeeping Operation’s activities up until the time of his death.
He is survived by his wife Jean of 37 years, his two children and a brother.
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Frank & Margy Slater
July 28, 2022
Yet another year has passed and we think of you often. We all carry on but you are missed.
Frank and Margy Slater
July 29, 2021
Thoughts of you now bring a smile to our face instead of a tear to our eyes but you are still missed..
Christopher Barry
July 28, 2021
A good man who left good memories. July 28, 2021.
Frank and Margy Slater
July 26, 2020
Another year has passed. Oh to hear Peter's comments on the state of the world in 2020. You are remembered and missed.
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Christopher Barry
March 26, 2018
An extraordinary man
A great mentor and leader
Still very much missed
Larry Travis
April 17, 2015
Pete was my mentor and coach when I first went to the Regiment(12RBC). I will never forget the summer we spent in Cyprus(1973). Or the time Chris took our son Michael trick or treating in Quebec. I loved you like a brother.
August 2, 2014
Downrange last week and unable to sign on, but I echo Frank and Margy: 10 years have gone by so quickly but our memories are vivid. Tom Holston, Stuttgart, GM
Frank & Margy Slater
July 28, 2014
It is impossible that 10 years have passed. You are thought and talked of often. You would be pleased to see how the family has carried on.
August 1, 2013
Peter was my mentor the passapge of time will not- never erase that
Tom Holston
July 30, 2013
The passage of time does not ease the memory of our loss. I continue to think of Peter often
Tom Holston
August 1, 2012
Jean and family,
As others have written it does not get any easier with the passage of time. We will continue to celebrate Peter's memory.
Frank & Margy Slater
July 31, 2012
You are fondly remembered all the time not just the 28th (just more so).
Sharon McHale
June 15, 2012
In the Philippines. Part of the crew you knew well. Swapping stories. Good fun. Cheers! Love, Sharon
Gilles W. Leuba
February 19, 2012
Peter, time is passing by but you are always inspiring the one who are close to you. Miss you buddy!
Christopher Barry
December 16, 2011
Peter's leadership style has remained with me for many years, and has served as a constant inspiration no matter what management roles I take on. I owe him much.
Tom Holston
August 10, 2011
I was on travel on Jul 28 in support of an HA/DR exercise...the kind Peter and I worked together in PACOM. Needless to say, my thoughts were with the Leentjes family on that day.
Frank & Margy Slater
July 28, 2011
Another year has passed and we continue to fondly relate our Peter stories. Our thoughts are with the much expanded family today.
donna turner
May 5, 2011
May 5, 2011
I am so very fortunate to have the opportunity to call Peter my uncle and Jean my aunt. It is very inspiring
All the best now and always
Brian and Rosemary Hedge
July 29, 2010
With love to you all, and fond memories of happy days on Mariner's Ridge and many a purposeful discussion of life's thorny issues.
July 29, 2010
Dear Peter, thought of you brings new sense of purpose, energy and optimism to life...just as you exhibited these fine human qualities in your life. You remain ever fresh in the heart and mind.
Col VS Malik
July 29, 2010
Dear Peter, thought of you brings new sense of purpose, energy and optimism to life...just as you exhibited these fine human qualities in your life. You remain ever fresh in the heart and mind.
Frank Slater
July 28, 2010
Always remembered and missed.
Tom Holston
July 28, 2010
To the Leentjes Family and Friends,
We have endured another year without our friend, father, husband/lover. It never gets easier. Best to all.
July 31, 2009
The void just keeps getting bigger, my Love. Chris and Sarah and I are doing o.k. but we miss you so.
Margy and Frank Slater
July 29, 2009
Never forgetten, more so on July 28.
Tom Holston
July 28, 2009
Jean, Chris and Sarah,
I think of Peter often as I carry on his work here in the European area. My thoughts and prayers are with you today and always.
Rosemary and Brian Hedge
July 29, 2008
With love to you, Sarah and Chris,and happy memories of all the fun Hawaii times, Brian, Rosemary and Nicola
Sharon McHale
July 29, 2008
Thinking of you today, as always. Toasting you with a nice bottle of red tonight (you'd approve!).
Tom Holston
July 29, 2008
Four years have passed and rarely a week goes by that I don't reflect on my friendship with Peter...through work or mutual friends.
Frank and Margy Slater
July 28, 2008
Ever present in our thougthts
Frank & Margy Slater
July 28, 2007
You are still in our thoughts. Lives slowly and painfully rebuild, but your friends and family treasure our memories of you, and even through our sadness, a smile is brought to our face when we talk of them.
Tom Holston
July 26, 2007
Peter,
I am now in Germany and even here you are known and missed. I think of you often with respect and friendship as we approach the third year since you left us.
Tom
Sharon McHale
July 28, 2006
Peter. You are remembered often by your friends around the world. Miss you, especially today.
Sharon McHale
July 28, 2005
It is hard to believe that it is one year since Peters passing. My thoughts are with his family, especially today.
John Lowry
July 8, 2005
I just heard the news of Peter's passing and wanted to acknowledge this tremendous loss. I worked for Peter in DPKO in '95-'96. He was a great mentor and one of the warmest men I have ever met. I, like so many others, learned a great deal from Peter. My heartfelt condolences go out to Peter's family.
Martin Zogg
January 6, 2005
A great loss to the service of humanitarianism. Deepest sympathies to Peter’s family and friends.
Sharon McHale
December 25, 2004
Peter, thinking of you this Christmas. Miss you terribly. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers at this time of year. Love, Sharon
jacco leentjes
November 27, 2004
i'm sorry that i never meet him
a vieuw months before now i meet larry his brother
my deepest coments jacco
Jean-Pierre Doubeck
November 25, 2004
"Au revoir" Peter
At the time I used to call you Sir.
I was your Deputy Chief at UNHQ DPKO Training Unit from 1995 to 1998
I'll never forget you, your devotion to Peacekeeping, your strong voice and your laugh.
Heartful condolences to Jean and the family.
Mike Drynan
November 15, 2004
Family family are from Hastings Ontario.
The Clapper and Scrivers
Tim Cassidy
November 15, 2004
From another former 12 RBC. I learned much from you. I wish you well on your continued journey. Adsum.
George Oliver
November 8, 2004
It was a sad day when the international peacekeeping community lost one of its most respected patrons. Peter was a visionary, a leader, and an expert in his field. It would be hard to quantify the impact he had. It was vast. I am honored to have known him. He was an inspiration to all of us. My prayers are with the Leentjes family.
Dr. Mike Gonzalez
October 31, 2004
My deepest sympathy to Peter's family. He is a great loss to mankind.
Respectfully,
Walter Clarke
October 30, 2004
A real loss. Peter was both a resource and a leader in a field that will very much miss his knowledge and humor. Our condolences to his family.
Myrna "Miles" Batayola
October 24, 2004
My Heartfelt Condolence to family of Peter.
Brian Miyamoto
October 5, 2004
A void now exists. Peter, to me, was the quintessential Renaissance man. A man of wisdom and honor. A man with passion and conviction in all that he did. His legacy will live on, not only through his adoring family, but also through his resonating contributions to us all.
Col Virender S Malik
September 13, 2004
Five days of seminar, two formal get-togethers,just one (fleeting) personal interaction...but the Colonel made a lifetime of impression in my heart and in my mind. Armymen are traditionally brief and blunt, I choose to break away and pour my sentiment. In my short association with Col Peter,I realised that though he was related to few, he belonged to many and he worked for all...I had so much wished to see him again some day and to work alongside,but God had different plans...for good humans are needed everywhere. Even in leaving us Col Peter will, for me remain the evershining star yonder...to look up to with hope when there is darkness around, to draw inspiration from, when the chips are down, to feel there is always someone around for company...always bright, always shining. As a fellow military man, I stand in silent attention, saluting you Colonel.You LIVE ON.
Tom Holston
September 13, 2004
Jean,
I share your grief and your love for Peter. Reading the words of his friends here in these pages is such a pleasant reminder of his wit, charm, joie de vivre and devotion to his many varied interests. We had lots of laughs together in Bangkok and Sattahip working the Cobra Gold exercises. But what I miss is that infectious smile, the impish gleam in his eye and the Canadian "eh" that would pop up in his speech. Last month in Afghanistan I shared the news of Peter's passing with members of the UN mission and we all gave a silent toast to him on the day of his wake, since we were not able to be there in body but at least in spirit...as he was then and is with us forever.
Adieu, mon Ami!
Tom
Jennifer Simons
September 9, 2004
Dear Jean, Chris and Sarah,
I know it goes without saying how deeply saddened Darren, Connor and I are about Peter's death. When I told Connor(he is 5 years old) about it he said, "Oh, you don't really believe that, do you?" And to answer him, No I don't. Even after 5 weeks I am finding it a hard concept to grasp. I could say that because so many people loved Peter and will remember Peter that he will never really be gone, but forever live with us in our hearts and minds. And although that is absolutely true, it sounds a little cliche.
What I really feel is that someone so full of life and joy and goodness cannot possibly die. That incredible spirit of his was so effervescent it is a wonder that it was ever contained in one body.
Even when I was a moody, depressed, sometimes judgemental teenage living in the middle of France, Peter (and his family) was an amazing ray of light. Up until that point I never realized that any one person could be so genuine, so positive, so happy, so smart, talented and "hip" and still be an ADULT! Peter and Jean made a huge impression on me way back then. From knowing them I knew a little better about the person I hoped I'd become.
As years went by and the Leentjes family stayed a part of my family's life I loved them more and learned from them more. They both inspired me with their happiness and sense of family , maintaining it through job changes, location changes and all the other stresses that life throws at you.
But even more than all of that...most of all...I have admired the unbelievably steady, loving, respectful marriage that was Peter and Jeans. It has given me a shining example of what I want my marriage to be. Of what I wish so many other marriages had the strength and courage to be.
I am so lucky to know Peter. I have to use present tense here, because (call me corny, if you must) a spirit like that can never really die. It is up to all of us to try to keep even a fraction of those qualities alive in ourselves and those around us.
Ambassador (ret.) Victor L. Tomseth
September 8, 2004
For the last several years Peter and I worked closely with one another on a military execise -- Cobra Gold. During that time I came to have the greatest respect for Peter as an individual and a teacher. He never tired in his mission to help others understand the world of multilateral peace operations -- why they are necessary and why we do them. The speciality has not only lost a pioneer, those of us who had the honbor to work with Peter have lost a great friend.
Lee Vick
September 2, 2004
I only met Pete once when I was a guest at his home in Rye, NY. He made me feel like I had been his best friend for years. Pete was definitely a remarkable person. I listened to his war stories, both of us puffing one of his cigars, for hours. Pete will always live on in my heart as being a truly special person. My deepest condolances to Jean, Chris and Sarah.
Jeff and Mary Stark
August 30, 2004
Jean, Chris, and Sarah—
There isn’t any way to adequately express our sense of sadness and loss at Pete’s sudden departure from your lives and from the world to which he had dedicated so much of his talents and energy to help make a better place. Just when we cynically thought that one person’s passion could no longer make a difference, we were proved wrong by Pete’s success in doing exactly that. He will always be remembered by those whose lives he touched and by those who were fortunate enough to know him as a friend.
Rather than dwelling on the sorrow of his passing, we have spent the last weeks recalling the pleasures of the special times we spent with you and Pete and Chris in France, where you collectively rescued us from cultural and linguistic distress and introduced us to those unique Canadian concepts of hospitality and friendship that are unrivalled anywhere on Earth. From that beginning grew an affection and admiration that have compelled us to never lose touch and to make new memories with the Leentjes family whenever and wherever we could. We intend to keep on doing exactly that, and in so doing we’ll make certain that Pete will always be with us.
Tom Peterman
August 26, 2004
Dear Jean and family,
Words cannot express the sadness and heartfelt condolences I feel for you and your family at Peter’s passing. I first met Peter through John Otte after I began my research on UN Peacekeeping. I knew Peter less than 6 years, but in those six years, he had a profound impact on my life – for which I’ll be forever grateful. He was an incredible source of inspiration on peacekeeping, and dedicated to helping improve the lives of his fellow man. Every time I had the opportunity to be with him, I always learned valuable lessons, and all that had the opportunity to listen to him here at the APCSS were always impressed with his breadth of knowledge and his enthusiasm for the subject. Peter is now gone, but his passion for peacekeeping and those that he taught live on. He has left a legacy of top-notch people around the world to continue his work.
Although professionally, his love was peacekeeping, his first true love was reserved first and foremost for his family. He was extremely proud of his family. He spoke frequently and fondly about you and the kids. You were the center of his universe.
It is hard to think of Peter being gone, and it hurts to know I won’t be able to continue learning from him in the future. I guess God just needed someone to help him out with peacekeeping matters in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers from all of us at the APCSS are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.
Ross Wickware
August 25, 2004
Dearest Jean and Family, how lucky we were to have shared some of Peter's energy and drive, his dynamic love of life. Patricia and I send our heartfelt condolences, Peter will be missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Keith and MaryAnn Lowry
August 25, 2004
For us, Pete was foremost a friend, and over time, a man whose great contributions to this world we grew to understand and admire. We were blessed to be part of Pete’s unique orbit for more than forty years – starting with his teenage years as a cadet and gifted (and mischievous) student in St. Thomas; being enthusiastic supporters of his courtship and wedding to our college friend, Jean Cole; comparing notes on raising Chris and Sarah and our Sean and Karah from babies to teenagers; and, every few years or so for the past 37 years, sharing a few bottles of wine and stories together. The venues changed, but the fun, the stimulation and the warmth were constants.
Pete’s way of telling ‘war stories’ over the years - punctuated by a wave of his pipe, or cigar and a half laugh - made them engaging and humorous, just a slice of life. But, on our visit to Rye in 1995, he took us on a tour around the UN and talked with passion about training and the people he was working to help. We gained a first-time insight into the power of his work and the scope of his impact. The rose gardens at the UN are a world away from the implementation of PKO, and yet Pete made them both seem human-scale, and vital.
The Leentjes had that uncanny ability to make us feel that no time had passed from the last visit and that we were special. Jean, Chris and Sarah, for your gift of friendship, and for many more reasons, you are special to us, always.
Denis and Bernadette Hotte
August 24, 2004
Jean, Chris and Sarah. It is with great shock and incredible sadness that we heard of your great loss. Peter was a unique individual that touched many lives and to be sure he will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you through this extremely difficult time
Jeff Lewis
August 24, 2004
Peter,
My deepest sympahthy goes out to Jean, Chris and Sarah, as well as all of the other people around the world who truly called Peter their 'friend'. Many of our lives are better for having had Peter pass through them. You will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.
Tim Byrne
August 23, 2004
"There is only one success-to be able to spend your life in your own way." Christopher Morley, 1890-1957.
Having been fortunate to work with Peter and experience his complete devotion to supporting Peacekeeping education and training across the globe, I truly believe he lived his life "in his own way." I will always consider him a superb teacher and mentor, a completely honest and forthright internationalist, and a man committed to building a more secure world for future generations. I am thankful for the sage advise offered over wine or coffee in numerous venues during our travels.
I am a better man for having the opportunity to work, and laugh, with him. I will miss him dearly. God bless him and keep him.
Jackie Gaudreau
August 23, 2004
Dear Jean, Chris and Sarah. Words cannot express how sorry we are to hear about your loss. We have very fond memories of our times together in Valcartier. Peter was a great friend and will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with you.
Jackie and Jerry
Chinkie Ani
August 23, 2004
I worked with Peter for 4 years in the Training Unit, DPKO - the longest time I've had to work with the same boss in the UN system and fortunately the best I've had. Funny how I'm calling him Peter now because I never could, even after he retired and moved to COE. I had the highest respect for him that he was always the "Colonel" even if he would laughingly say "Chinkie, just Peter now okay?" He was one who motivated colleagues with his confidence, his utterly non-patronizing way. He inspired me and I was truly devastated when he had to leave the U.N. in '99. His legacy? Where peacekeeping training is now; and on a personal level, part of what I've become after he and his wife Jean touched my life. My heartfelt condolences to you Jean, Chris and Sarah.
Paul LaRose-Edwards
August 22, 2004
Peter's enthusiasm, expansive knowledge, and constant willingness to challenge perceived wisdom was an example and encouragement for all of us. Peter was also a builder (there are so few!), and provided vehicles for so many of us to join him in advancing peacekeeping. Speaking as well for General Bob LaRose, it has been almost a lifelong collaboration starting from 12e RBC to working for him on Cobra Gold just months ago. It was an honour to work with Peter, and when energy is flagging I will look to his memory for motivation. My heart is with Jean, Chris and Sarah. I am so sorry. Paul
Christiane et Norbert Soulard
August 22, 2004
All our deepest sympathy to Jean Chris and Sarah. We will always remember Peter as a great ,very dynamic and enthusiastic man. We keep very good memories of Peter in France, Canada and Hawai.
Christiane et Norbert Soulard
August 22, 2004
All our deepest sympathy to all of you. We will always remember Peter as a great,very dynamic and enthusiastic man.A lot of memories in France , Canada and Hawai.
Norm & Marion Schell
August 21, 2004
Such a shock to hear of Peters passing. We remember him well from Helen & Nick's Annual Christmas Carol Sing. He was such a vibrant person, and will be missed in many places. Sincerely Norm & Marion
Guy and Shirley Tousignant
August 21, 2004
Shirley and I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Jean, Chris and Sarah. Pete was a dear friend, respected colleague and a great humanitarian. He was a true professional and an inspiration as a soldier and as a humanitarian; his loss will be deeply felt by both communities. Although his journey on earth was far too short, his legacy will remain in the minds of those he touched and worked with around the world.
Sincerely, Maj. Gen (retired) Guy Tousignant
Brian and Rosemary Hedge
August 20, 2004
We will always remember the great evenings of fun and laughter we had as neighbours on the Ridge. Fond memories to be always treasured: sharing a fine wine, the guys a good cigar and munching on chef Peter's magnificent smoked salmon out on the lanai while trading stories of our respective adventures round the world with Peter's always topping the lot!
Mahalo and aloha to you dear friend and to Jean, Chris and Sarah.
with loving sympathy from Brian and Rosemary
Georges Vanasse
August 20, 2004
Peter was somewhat of a force a nature. Intelligent, forceful, he was always the one to whom we turned to make things work. Few were the obtacles that dared stay in his way.
Jean, Chris and Sarah, I know that nothing I say will ease your pain, but perhaps you will gain comfort from the many expressions from your friends. All the best, Georges
Jossie Uliasz
August 20, 2004
Although I only knew Peter from working a short time for COE, I will remember how he always made me laugh during a very stressful situation. He was an outstanding man, who made an impact on all those he met. Goodbye Peter.
Christiane & Daniel Charron
August 20, 2004
"One's life is not measured by the number of years one lives but by what he accomplishes."
Col "Peter", you gave us laughter, you gave us leadership. You guided us to do our best - Remember "Ramshead". Thank you for everything, you will be missed.
To Jean, Chris and Sarah, our most sincere condolences.
Bob Bova
August 20, 2004
How quickly our stay on this earth passes. Peter, you may the best of every moment and will be dearly missed. God bless.
Lawrence "Nick" & Helen Nickason
August 20, 2004
We shall always remember Peter and the story off Paul Bergan
Wade Cuthbertson
August 20, 2004
Farewell, good friend. You will be missed missed. You made a difference; the world is better place as a result of your exceptional life.
Dennis Baird
August 20, 2004
Peter and Jean have the gift of expressing the sort of confidence that inspires others to have confidence in themselves. That I learned 40 years ago. I learned so much from both of you - thank you Peter and thank you Jean.
Michael & Laura Lemon
August 20, 2004
We very much enjoyed getting to meet Peter and share some time in great conversation. Our prayers go out for his family.
Skip & Barbara Tracy
August 19, 2004
Peter...you were a warm personal friend and a highly motivated dynamic "professional peacekeeper". We will always remember our most recent and delightful evening with you and Jean in your home for dinner and the sharing of our mutual "sea stories". We will miss you, friend. Our love and deepest sympathy to Jean, Chris, and Sarah. Aloha...
Brad Murphy
August 19, 2004
My thoughts and prayers are with the Leentjes family in their time of sorrow. I am a friend of Chris and wanted to pass on my condolences.
Barb and Mike Golaneck
August 19, 2004
I first met Peter about 20 years ago. To this day, I remember his commanding presence in the glorious days of the Mess, and specifically Opération Reine-Neige in 1986. Though our work took us worlds apart, he was never forgotten.
Our heartfelt condolences to Jean, Chris and Sarah.
Steve Astriab
August 19, 2004
I am so sorry, I just heard of Peter's passing. I was honored to be associated with Peter and the COE. He will be remembered fondly and sorely missed.
Kelly L'Archevêque
August 19, 2004
I had the honour of meeting Col. Leentjes in 1996 when my friends and I went to visit Chris in NYC. His parents welcomed us into their home as they would have any of the many distinguished guests they received over the years. Col.Leentjes gave us a private tour of the UN and was jealous when we told him about the amazing view from the 38th floor women's washroom. "There's no window in ours!", he said, "that's not fair!" The way in which he treated us mere university students as equals worthy of sharing our thoughts and views is surely the perfect example of how Col. Leentjes believed in the worth and importance of everyone on this planet and how he wanted us all to get along. With all the work he has put in towards the accomplishment of that goal, I am positive he has earned a place in heaven with a much better view that the one from the 38th floor women's washroom of the UN tower. Thank you Sir.
Claude & Bonnie Machabee
August 19, 2004
"To touch the soul of another human being is to walk on holy ground." Your loss is shared by many who will remember not only the great things Pete did but also countless priceless moments. In many special ways, Peter left his mark--through his compassion and caring for others; words of wisdom; shared laughter and quiet moments, dreams left behind; and memories that will never be gone. While he walks that holy ground, he will never be alone for surely a little part of each of us went with him. Our thoughts and prayers go to you, Jean, Sarah and Christopher.
Kim Murphy
August 19, 2004
I was very sorry to hear of Mr. Leentjes passing. I never actually met him. I am a friend of his son Chris. I wanted to pass on my condolences to Chris and his family in this very sad time.
Gilles W. Leuba
August 19, 2004
Peter, I can't remember how many exercises, seminars, workshops you brought me in throughout the Asia-Pacific region. But I remember you. A dedicated and generous man with the authority to make a vision become a reality. Merci mon ami.
Patrick Donnelly
August 19, 2004
My wife and I new Peter for about 30 years. Even though he was out of country he was never out of our minds.
He was a clever, congenial man with a lot of "Joie de Vivre!" who never missed a repartee. He will be surely missed.
Please extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Jean and the family
Take care, God Bless ,Pat.
Major General Clive Addy
August 19, 2004
Marlene and I have lost a wonderful friend and colleague of 30 years, but Canada lost a tireless ambassador and the world a true Peace-keeper.
Christopher Sproule
August 19, 2004
One of my best friends since carefree days as Lieutenants. Peter loved his family, enjoyed life and contributed positively. Unlike most people, he could usually see how a situation could be practically improved. I was looking forward to Peter and Jean retiring and moving closer but couldn't imagine him actually slowing down; he loved his work.
Dr. Witold Migala
August 19, 2004
To the family of Col. Peter Leentjes:
I had the honor of working with Col. Leentjes during the Cobra Gold exercise in Thailand. He not only has my gratitude for a valuable experience but also my respect and admiration as a person. I can only exress my deepest sympathy to you, his family, and all those who loved him for the loss of a truly execeptional and kind hearted individual.
Godd Bless.
Georges Bordet
August 19, 2004
Peter, I remember you as a wonderful man, a good and loyal friend, and the most competent officer with whom I have had the privilege to serve, a comment that can be made of very few. You will be missed.
Terry Davis
August 19, 2004
To a friend, colleague and mentor, we will miss you. A true inspiration for so many of us, I am honoured to have had the opportunity to work with you over the years (and am pretty sure that you have influenced a lot of my thought processes). To Jean, Chris, Sarah and all of your family, my deepest sympathies.
Michael & Ellen Caines
August 19, 2004
"Lo! some we loved, the loviest and the best
That Time and Fate from all their vintage pressed,
Have drunk their cup a round or two before
And one by one crept silently to Rest."
Our sincere condolences to Jean, Christopher and Sarah for this untimely loss.
Frank, Margy & Michael Slater
August 19, 2004
Gregarious, outgoing, opinionated, usually right, kind, mentor, humanitarian, philosopher, humanist, complex, funny, and FRIEND are but only a few adjectives that inadequately describe Peter.
Peter lived his life to the fullest, finding his calling in teaching the governments of the world that there are no simple solutions to stopping war, but if they (we) were to at least try, we could perhaps peacefully coexist on this wonderful planet we call Earth.
Our family has lost a friend and we too struggle with Jean’s, Chris’s and Sarah’s, profound loss.
Cindy Scriver
August 19, 2004
Peter and Jean opened up their home and hearts to us last winter. I am very honored to have had the chance to meet them both and to sit on their la.nai and be entertained by some of Peter's many adventure's. I pray that Jean, Chris and Sara can find comfort in time with all the wonderful memories of their husband and father.
Alain and Lauren Gauthier
August 19, 2004
There are no words to express the sadness we felt upon hearing the sad news. We took solace in the fact that we were able to share great moments with Peter and Jean during our stay in Valcartier and will always remember the Regimental evenings and teh dance lessons we took together in preparation for these evenings. Our family, like so many others, was blessed to have had the opportunity to have known and shared some activities in Peter's life.
Chris and Kathleen Chance
August 19, 2004
We will not be able to join you in Kingston on August 21st, but please know that we will be there in spirit. Peter is probably talking with St. Peter right now over a glass of port and a good cigar, planning out the day when our Pete can succeed St. Pete as guardian of the Pearly Gates. Our many happy memories of him will endure.
August 19, 2004
I had the pleasure and the honor of being trained by and training with Peter during his tenure with COE. His wealth of experience and knowledge in the PK field will be greatly missed.
MAJ William M Darby, MPH, MEPM, REHS, DAAS, IDHA
Force Health Protection Officer
CENTCOM SG Forward - Qatar
[email protected]
Serge & Lucille Dufour
August 19, 2004
He was a man of great vision - one of a kind.... sorely missed.
Richard Halloran
August 18, 2004
Peter was my friend, neighbor, and colleague but mostly this cheerful man was my friend. There is a poem that I think illuminates the way he would like to be remembered:
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on snow;
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there.
I did not die.
(Jane Wallace Young (1933-1996)
Blessed be the peacekeepers,
Joel Selanikio
August 18, 2004
A terrific colleague for those years that I was at COE, and professionally an inspiration. It's a loss to his profession, to COE, and to all of us who knew him. Aloha, Peter, and a hui hou.
Gary Rhyne
August 18, 2004
Peter was a kind, friendly and highly competent man. During my time at the COE, as I would pass him in the hall, he always seemed to have a sly smile and a mischievous sparkle in his eye, like he had the answers to those unsolved questions of life and could not wait for the rest of us to catch on.
He will be missed.
Aloha Peter
Winnie Yamaguchi
August 18, 2004
An American writer once wrote:
I think that wherever your journey takes you,
There are new gods waiting there,
With divine patience –
And laughter.
Peter was an amazing speaker who could command and capture an audience with his many experiences. I believe peacekeeping will live on through all of us. I will truly miss his gift of gab and sense of humor.
My deepest sympathy to Jean, Chris and Sarah.
Randy Stansfield
August 17, 2004
I only met Peter last June at the Bangkok PKO seminar. However, I was greatly impressed by the relationship he shared with his dear wife, Jean. On three different occasions I observed them while they were out shopping or doing errands. Each time they were holding hands and sharing what appeared to be a wonderful time just being together. Often times the measure of a person can be best made by how they treat those closest to them.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Jean and her family. - Randy
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