Peter Chmiliar

I fondly remember Peter, aka Slawko, when I had the privilege to work with him, as pianist for the Wellington Community Variety Show, 1989, 1990 and 1991, and coincidentally, as an accompanist for a wedding ceremony which he presided.
I think of Peter when I hear the term, "consummate professional". I came to appreciate that as a performance artist he had a quality one rarely encounters in a lifetime. That is, he could walk out onto a stage and have the audience in stitches before he spoke a word. As a musician, I acquired an unusual skill which was been helpful on occasions since. That is, to read and play a musical instrument while nearly falling off my chair, eyes filled with tears of laughter, without loosing my place in the score or missing a beat. The audience would not have noticed as they were rolling on the floor or watching other people going into hysterics. Years later, I was equally impressed with this great man on an occasion in which I provided musical accompaniment for a wedding ceremony in which Peter performed his duties as a wedding commissioner. His professionalism, his elegant and tasteful choice of words, his engaging and approachable personality made this solemn occasion a joyous and entertaining one. I hope this phrase describes his memorial, which unfortunately I did not attend. I do hope his life was celebrated and continues to be celebrated as the great gift to his community, his audiences, and all who met him.

Peter has and always will be one of my greatest mentors. He had a gift to instill confidence in others which remains unmatched. Only Peter could take a band of volunteers, filled with fear and apprehension, turn them into flamboyant performers, create an amazing experience for his audiences, and leave memories sprinkled like fairy dust throughout the community. I speak of him often, remembering how talented and funny he was. Who else could teach magic tricks to a bunch of novices, and pull off a show, promting the patrons to ask:
"Are you professionals?"

Prayers to Lil and all of his family. Peter was and always will be a class act.

Peter was a great entertainer, tour guide and friend. My prayers and thoughts go out to Lil and all the family.

To the man that I admired since I was a boy. He hired me as a drummer/Ukrainian dancer I was 14 (in the mid 70's) in his road shows. I was fortunate to be able to perform with him in his shows since. Thank you Peter for performing as a guest in my shows too. To my mentor, God Bless you Mr. Chmillar.

My sincerest condolences to the family of Peter. I never had the pleasure of meeting any of you, but I had the immense pleasure of performing in some of the same shows as Peter. I would seek him out backstage to tell me stories, and tell them he would! I remember most clearly him telling me of his first act ever; in his parents living room at age 4! Once a comedian, always a comedian. He'll be missed.

Tim and family,
My condolences,
Jacky (Primeau) Bossert, Edmonton, Alberta

Lillian and family,
Peter was a wonderful man and we have many fond memories. We are sorry we cannot attend the service on Sunday but please know our thoughts and love are with you.

I only knew him thru the theater at the Beverly Heights hall. He was a true entertainer! I'm very sure he will be sadly missed.

Lilian,
Peter married us in your lovely home in April of 1989. Along with your neighbor, you stood as witnesses for us. We will always remember that day with fondness.
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.

Auntie Lil,
Great Uncle Peter married Michele and I almost 20 years ago. It was special day for the two of us, but Uncle Peter always had a way of lighting up a room with his comical attributes. At the end of the ceremony I walked up to Uncle Peter and said, I believe I owe you some money for this. He said, Yes my son. Took the money, walked over to Michele and said, Michele, I want you to go buy yourself something nice.
Now I want you and your family to celebrate all the good times you had with your husband, with your dad and with your friend.

Our sincere sympathies to your family.
We shall remember Peter and his comedian antics that we enjoyed so very much

WE heard the thunder the other day...but we know it was applause/laughter in Heaven, they are lucky to have you. Godspeed the greatest entertainer and gentleman ever....your lines will always be remembered.
Goodspeed
Lily & Kevin Becker
Taramay Curtis

Lil & Family
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Peter. He was a great man who always had a smile for everyone and a helping hand. I, Sophie, worked with him at Land Titles and it was a pleasure to have him as a Supervisor and a friend.
May he rest in peace.

Our condolences to all the family.

Bob & Dorothy Taschuk
Port Alberni, B.C.

My sincere condolences to the Family of Peter. He was a very kind and gentle man. He will be missed.

June
Vital Statistics

Mr. Chmiliar was our JP when my husband and I married in 1984. He was a lovely man and made the ceremony memorable with his humour. (The bride thought the ceremony was over and took off her shoes as they hurt. Mr. Chmiliar just smiled and asked if that felt better and could he continue.) He was also the JP for my brother and his wife who now currently reside in Australia, just to give a sense as to how far some of his couples have moved. My sincere condolences to your family.

We were one of the 6,000 couple married by Mr. CHMILIAR almost 20 years ago. Although we only met Mr. CHMILIAR briefly, his charm and warm personality helped make our special day that much more memorable. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss.

Lil,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Peter was an amazing man full of fun and energy! We all had so much fun on stage for so many years, memories that will live on in my heart for years to come.
We will all miss him dearly.
His legacy will live on forever!!