H. Peter Oberlander

H. Peter Oberlander

H. Oberlander Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Jan. 3, 2009.
OBERLANDER H. Peter OC PhD FRAIC LLD (HON) Peacefully on December 27, 2008, Shabbat Miketz during the Festival of Hannukah. Beloved life partner for 56 years of Cornelia Hahn, devoted father of Judy (Mark Wexler), Tim (Julie Martz), and Wendy; loving grandfather of Ariel, Talia, Malka and Uriel. Peter will be greatly missed by his brother George (Suzanne), nieces, nephews and extended family; devoted colleagues and friends around the world. The family extends their gratitude to the caring doctors and nursing staff of the BC Cancer Agency, the Palliative Care Unit, VGH, the Palliative Care team of Pacific Spirit Health Unit, as well as the homecare given by Classic Caregivers, Ltd. A funeral service was held at Temple Sholom on December 29, 2008, followed by burial in White Rock. Shiva is private. There will be a celebration of Peters life in the spring. Memorial donations may be made to the Vancouver Jewish Film Festival Society, 604-266-0245; The Salvation Army, 1-877-469-4438; BC Cancer Foundation, 604-877-6040; VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation, 604-875-4676.

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January 21, 2009

Doug Ragan posted to the memorial.

January 12, 2009

Jack Hahn posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2009

Jack Hahn posted to the memorial.

15 Entries

Doug Ragan

January 21, 2009

Peter was an amazing person who was always ready with sage advise, especially to young people. He was especially admired within international community, and especially UN HABITAT for his work with the 76 and the 06 World Urban Forum. There has been a front page tribute on the UN HABITAT website for the past two weeks. Peter will be deeply missed by all. Deepest sympathy to all his family.

Jack Hahn

January 12, 2009

Peter and I go back to the time we met in internment camp, when we studied and wrote our matriculation exams together. He became an architect and I an engineer both helping to spread Canadian knowhow to developing countries. His contribution to Canada will be remembered by all who were touched by his variety of activities as Dean of Architecture, CIDA ambassador in Ghana and working for the Canadian government in Ottawa and Vancouver. I extend my deepest sympathy to his family.

Jack Hahn

January 11, 2009

My friendship with Peter goes back to the 1940s, when we shared prisoner of war camps and studies for matriculation together. We were later both active assisting developing countries on behalf of the Canadian Government, and Peter continued his good work in the area of immigration.
We regret his passing and extend our deepest sympathy to the family, who are carrying on in his tradition.

Jack Hahn, former internee and later contibutor to CIDA, and family.

Barry Johns

January 9, 2009

Dear Cornelia
Margo and I are thinking of you and saddened by your loss. May you find comfort in knowing there are many who share with you the joy of fond memories of a wonderful human being who brought much honor to his profession, to this country and its citizens.
Barry Johns

Anne Lewison

January 6, 2009

Cornelia, Judy, Tim and Wendy,
Our deepest sympathy to you as this is a great loss to everyone.
We are lucky to have known Peter for his tremendous vitality, generousity and warmth and that he left us all the richer for his contributions to our collective fields of architecture, landscape and planning.
Our hearts go out to you.
love,
Anne Lewison and Peter Laywine,
Lev and Abie Ratnofsky

Nancy Goody

January 6, 2009

Dear Judy and Mark,

Our deepest sympathy for your loss.

You are in our thoughts. May the memories of your dad be a blessing and bring you comfort.

Nancy & Gregg

Nancy Goody

January 6, 2009

Dear Cornelia,

Gregg and I join many others who share the sadness of Peter's passing.

What a great man. May his memory be a blessing.

Love,

Nancy & Gregg

Eilis Courtney

January 5, 2009

Dear Cornelia and family,

I have just today learned of Peter's passing and I am greatly saddened by the news. He will be sorely missed by many here at UBC. I will miss seeing him at the graduation ceremonies and will particularly remember him for his energy, passion and humour when we worked together on events at UBC.

My sincere condolences to you all.

Eilis Courtney
UBC Ceremonies

David Dunlop

January 5, 2009

My sincere condolences to Cornelia, Judy, Wendy and Tim for their great loss and for a loss that will be felt by so many.

As Peter’s second Executive Assistant when he was Secretary (DM) of Urban Affairs, I was part of this federal experiment that he was brought to Ottawa to lead. And for years after when Peter returned to Vancouver, I remained HPO’s Executive Assistant, a role that happily brought me in contact with Peter — an exceptional character who will live on in his family.

Kelly Ip

January 3, 2009

I am indeed saddened by the news that Peter has passed away. I remember many fond memories of Peter when he presided over citizenship ceremonies and welcomed many new Canadians and their friends.

He was also very gracious to speakers from the Canadian Club who attended these ceremonies and extended their welcome to our new citizens.

I always enjoyed his "court" and will remember his humour and words of wisdom at these ceremonies.

My condolences to Cornelia and the Oberlander family.

Kelly

David Hoye

January 3, 2009

Dr. Oberlander, Secretary of the Ministry of State for Urban Affairs, gave me my first job in the Canadian civil service. His values were great optimism, a broad view, initiative, and public entrepreneurship, and he pursued them throughout his life. We learned a lot from him. Canada will miss his energy.

Mona Sigler

January 3, 2009

Dear Tim,
My sincere sympathy to you, Julie, the girls and your mom on the passing of your father. I know he fought a long brave battle.
Love, Mona

HARRIET SEGAL

January 3, 2009

DEAR CORNELIA, SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, BEST LOVE HARRIET SEGAL,FORMERLY OF MARGARETA'S

gilda mahabir

January 3, 2009

Dear Cornelia, Judy, Tim, Wendy and families,

I am writing to express my deep sadness on learning of the death of your beloved husband/father. He was one of the finest human beings I have had the pleasure of knowing. I happened to be tuned into CBC radio on monday, December 29th, sometime in the late afternoon, and caught the tail-end of what sounded like a tribute to Peter. It was such a wonderful summation of his life, capturing his many wide and varied accomplishments and contributions not only to our city, but to the wider world. I believe it was an interview with one of Peter's UBC colleagues. Hearing the CBC piece led me to search the newspapers for more information and eventually to this guest book.

What an amazing man Peter was. He had such enthusiasm and energy for his work, and for life. I remember how instrumental he was in bringing "Habitat For Humanity" to Vancouver. It was at his urging that I went to see it down at Jericho. He was way ahead of his time in his thinking. As a society we are only just beginning to catch up to his thoughts/ideas.

I am so thankful that I had an opportunity to have a long conversation with him at the memorial service for Bill Sauder. He told me about his cancer and how difficult it had been, but he also spoke about the various projects he was still involved with and wanted to "see through." Even though he was fighting a terrible illness, he was still fully engaged in living. That summarizes him so well.

I know that my parents regarded Peter as a close friend, and greatly admired his intellect and humanity . I recall many parties and times shared with our families. I especially recall a visit to your delightful home in the Gulf Islands one summer. I also remember the first time I visited your home on the endowment lands and thinking what a unique and beautiful home it was - again, way ahead of its time in both concept and design (I believe the house was designed by Peter and the garden by you, Cornelia? - one of the many examples of how complimentary you were to each other). My father, as you know, passed away 5 years ago now, and my mum suffers from dementia, but I know they would want me to pass on their heartfelt condolences to you on their behalf.

I know this must be a very difficult time for all of you. It is not easy losing a husband or a father. But may you find comfort and strength in the many memories you all share of this wonderful and engaging gentle man, who meant so much to so many, especially to all of you. He will remain with you always in your hearts and minds.

With deepest sympathies to all of you,

With love from.

Gilda Mahabir

Brian McGregor-Foxcroft

January 3, 2009

I am very sorry to read of the passing of Dr. Oberlander. I met him and had the privilege to serve him during his time as a Canadian Citizenship judge in Vancouver. He was a very decent and humane gentleman. He always took his duties very seriously, and he impressed everyone around him with his compassionate attitude, especially towards new immigrants and citizens to Canada. He certainly had an impact upon me for good. I extend my sincere sympathies to his surviving family members.

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January 21, 2009

Doug Ragan posted to the memorial.

January 12, 2009

Jack Hahn posted to the memorial.

January 11, 2009

Jack Hahn posted to the memorial.