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4 years 11 months
Submitted by masterfunerald… on Sat, 06/12/2021 - 08:34:AM

Due to government-imposed restrictions related to COVID-19, attendance will be restricted to a limited number of individuals, personally invited by the family. You are welcome to attend the service through a livestream broadcast. Click on the above tab to register.

 

Peter Traves Heppleston, known as “Pete” to his siblings and “Hollywood Hepp” to his submarine buddies, was born on May 26, 1954 in Brockville, Ontario. On June 4, 2021, at the age of 67, God took Peter back to Himself while he was doing one of the things he loved best – riding his motorcycle.

 

Peter attended Brockville Collegiate Institute, and then worked as a brakeman for CNR, before beginning his career with the Canadian Navy in March 1976. He proudly wore his submariner’s “dolphins” for the rest of his life, and even after retirement from his military career in 1996,he continued to actively serve in the Submariners Association of Canada (Central Branch), including in the role of President for 4 years. After his military service, he worked as a defence contractor, and eventually joined the public service in the Department of National Defence for about 11 years until his retirement in 2018.

 

If you ask anyone who knew Peter, the first thing they would say about him is that his sense of humour was larger than life. Indeed, Peter had a true gift for making people laugh. He equally enjoyed spending quality time with those close to him, discussing things of the heart.  He had a lifelong passion for motorcycle riding, and also enjoyed travelling, RV camping, and listening to 70s rock and roll and blues.

 

Peter was a faithful husband and devoted father and “Poppa”. He never felt he was too old to get down on his hands and knees, make goofy cartoon voices, and fire pillow torpedoes on stuffed animals posing as pirates. He was a natural life teacher. He transmitted his great sense of fun and his faith in Jesus to his daughter and grandson.

 

Peter will be dearly missed by so many. Most especially, he will be missed by his wife Nancy; daughter Marianne Botting (Michael); grandson Elias; brother John (April); three sisters Jacqueline VanSchaik (Tony), Rea Jansen (Terryl), and Adrienne Simkins (Larry); father-in-law Bill Savidant; two sisters-in-law Cindy Forbes (Peter) and Michele Arsenault; and many nieces and nephews, for many of whom “Uncle Pete” was their favourite uncle.

He is predeceased by his parents, Traves and Ruth; his sister Margaret (RJ); mother-in-law Noreen Savidant; and his brother-in-law Marc Arsenault.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in memory of Peter be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or to Wounded Warriors Canada.

 

I [Jesus] will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.

(John 14:18-19)

Digital Guestbook

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 10:26:AM

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Scott Parsons

Farewell old friend, so sad to hear the news about you Crossing the Bar, may you have fair winds and calm seas.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 10:42:AM

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Ken King

Rest in Peace my friend. You will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing you.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 10:43:AM

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Woodie Lush

My condolences to the family.

Fair winds and following seas

DBF

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 10:45:AM

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Ken King

Rest in Peace my friend. You will be missed by all who had the honor of knowing you.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 10:49:AM

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Phillip James Rody

Peter was a fellow submariner and a friend. It was my privilege to have known him, sailed with him and enjoyed his humour and company. Peter will be missed terribly in the submarine community as well. Take care and my deepest and sincerest condolences to Peters family. God speed my friend.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 10:52:AM

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Al (Loon) White

Pete took everything in stride and was always a calm reassuring voice. He knew how and when to make light of a situation. He will be in missed in the lives of many.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 11:17:AM

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Mark Vanderheyden

Hollywood, you always made things better with your friendship and humor, save me a spot at the bar mate

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 02:25:PM

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Gilles Poirier

Peter was one of a kind, he had a sense of humour that would not quit. Spent several years at sea with him. It was always a riot to be on watch with him. You have reached the shore Peter, rest on your oars, we have the watch.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 02:39:PM

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Donna walechuk

Nancy, So very sorry to hear of your loss. I remember how much fun it was visiting you and Peter in Orleans. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Marianne.

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/14/2021 - 03:20:PM

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Kevin "Skull" Crowell

Rest Your Oar Sailor, Fall out from Harbour Stations, we have the watch. Dolphin Code 1A and 38

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