Peter John Melkert SR

Melkert, Peter John Sr. – known as "Grandad" and "Opa" - 87 of Halifax, N.S passed away on February 9, 2017 at home surrounded by his family.
Born in Rotterdam, Holland on January 9, 1930 he was the son of the late Wilhem and Elizabeth Melkert. Peter attended High School in Holland, where he received his automotive trade.
Peter immigrated to Canada from Holland at the age of 22, landing in Halifax at Pier 21 September 22, 1952 on the "Groote Beer." He worked at Wood Motors as an auto mechanic from 1952 to 1960. In 1955 he joined the Militia Service Corp III Company as a driver-mechanic for six years. In April 1960 Peter opened up his own business known as "Melkert Motors" and sold in 1981. In 1967 Peter proudly became a Canadian citizen. In 1981 he joined Colonial Honda dealership as a salesman. In 1974 Peter was asked to be an interpreter for the RCMP in Dutch, German and Africanis. In 1977 he was sworn in as an Auxiliary RCMP constable, where he worked with the EMO program to assist with emergencies for 18 years. During this time many Constables became good friends. Also, in 1977 Peter travelled to Arnprior Ontario for the disaster readiness education program, Phase II Peace, where he received a certificate for Emergency Planning Canada. His training with the RCMP consisted of working on police boats, planes, the 'eye in the sky', on the road and crime prevention. In his capacity as an auxiliary constable he acted as an expert witness to the Crown in his field of work.
Peter was a very devoted member of Canadian Martyrs / St. Thomas Aquinas church for over 50 years where he served as a Eucharist Minister and was involved in other church related duties. He often visited the sick, elderly and shut-in's to bring them the Eucharist. He also volunteered his time at Hope Cottage with his partner Eva. In addition, he held memberships with the RCMP Veterans Association, The Royal Canadian Legion (Vimy Branch), Chairman of the Halifax Central Poppy Committee, the past director of Walter Callow Wheelchair buses, the ZONE 14 Colour Party and the Atlantic Swells Barbershop Chorus. Peter volunteered as a door to door canvasser for the Arthritis Society.
Over the years Peter received numerous certificates, plaques, and merit awards such as Maritimer of the Week. Peter was most honoured to be the recipient of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award.
Peter's favourite pastime was spending his summer at the 'camp' swimming, gardening, tanning and enjoying a '5 in the clock' with family and friends. Peter also enjoyed world cup soccer with his family and Dutch friends and he rarely missed a Blue Jay or Raptor game on TV.
In Peter's own words "I volunteered many hours out of gratitude for our Veterans; I owe them so much for the Liberation of Holland".
Peter is survived by his daughter Anita (Doug) Meade; sons Danny (Theresé), Ricky (Cindy), Peter (Victoria) and Demetrius (Krista); grandchildren Lisa (Tom) Arsenault, Stephen, Dana, Sandy, Sarah (Brock) Hopkins, Alicia, Iris and Rÿker; great grandchildren Quinn, Thomas, Tatum, Josie and Luca; his partner's children John and Maria and their spouses and children.
He was predeceased by his partner and best friend of 36 years, Eva Varga; and a son in infancy.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday Feb 15 at 11 am in St. Thomas Aquinas, 1711 Oxford St, Halifax with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Hope Cottage or a charity of your choice.