Peter Block

Peter Block

1927 - 2022

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Obituary of Peter Block

With deep sadness we say good-bye to a dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend. Leaving behind his family on Friday, April 22, 2022 he went to be with Jesus, his savior, whom he loved.

Leaving to mourn are his wife of 69 years Mary, his daughter Lorna, two sons Ernie (Marj), David and a daughter-in-law Bertha (Carl).

He was predeceased by son Terry. Grieving his death are also granddaughters Jaclyn (Matthew), Kelli (Matthew), Ruth and Jessica (Clayton) and 5 great grandchildren Ryder, Trigg, Elliana, Emma and Everly.

Peter was a quiet and thoughtful man.  Some said he looked quite serious at times.  But for those who knew and loved him, they always caught that twinkle in his eye.  The one that preceded him breaking into a smile or saying something very funny in his dry, witty way.  He loved his wife and family beyond measure and was happy to go without in order to give to them or help them in whatever way he could.  Although he may not have been pro in the kitchen, his children fondly remember growing up on “Pete’s Specials” on many a Saturday night.  These were concocted of ice cream in a blender with who knows what all else.  But each one was sublime and enjoyed by all.

He was a hard worker who only technically retired at the age of 65.  Woodworking was his passion and he spent countless hours in his beloved shop crafting furniture, stairs, shelving and other items for friends and family alike.  When each Christmas neared, up went the “Santa’s Workshop” sign on his shop door.  This meant no trespassing was allowed as he was busy at work building treasures for Christmas.  On Christmas morning after the gifts under the tree were opened, the family donned their boots and parkas to make the short, much-anticipated trek to the shop where the contents were finally revealed.  Children gasped in wonder at the beautiful treasures their dad had made and grandchildren squealed with delight.  Many treasured memories were borne from dad’s humble shop.  Ones we will never forget!

Peter loved the Lord and endeavored each day to be more like Him.  He was a friend to many, both young and old.  He went out of his way to do good deeds for others such as visiting the sick, volunteering his time to countless charities and those are only the things we know about as a family.  He was not one to talk about these things and we usually only heard about them if mentioned by other people.  He always claimed he could not sing, yet when he went to hold a crying baby or child and sang to them, they seemed to sense his gentle, loving nature and calmed right down.  He had a real gift for that. 

And finally, one would be remiss without mentioning his sweet tooth, especially for ice cream, chocolate and halvah.  After many a family dinner, Peter would eye what was left of that cake or pie mom had made for dessert.  Then with that familiar twinkle in his eye, he would calmly tell those around the table that it needed straightening (the carpenter in him).  He would take a knife and artfully carve what was left into a straight line, only to eat what was sliced off.  Perfection was key so if he noticed that the cut was still not straight, he would slice again (and again and again if need be) with no choice but to eat those extra morsels.  The family always got a good laugh out of that. 

Besides being a finishing carpenter most of his life he also had time to serve as a Sunday School teacher, as a handyman when pews needed fixing and serving on various committees at the Steinbach Mennonite Church. The daily highlight of his retirement years was the good times spent with his coffee buddies at a local pizzeria. He wouldn’t miss attending and being with his friends.

The funeral service for Peter Block will be held on Friday, April 29 at 2:00 pm at the Steinbach Mennonite Church with public viewing at 1:00 pm. Interment will be at the Heritage Cemetery with faspa to follow at the church.

To view the livestreamed video please click the following link. https://youtu.be/WBGJ3xRn0Us

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to enVision Community Living or Mennonite Central Committee (Ethiopia).

If friends so desire, donations may be made to: Envision 84 Brandt St., Steinbach MB R5G 0E1 or MCC Ethiopia Crisis – 134 Plaza Dr., Winnipeg MB R3T 5K9 or at donate.mccanada.ca, attention Ethiopia.

The family wishes to thank Pastor Lee Hiebert, Dr. Allen, Peter’s coffee group, and the nurses and doctors that cared for Peter during his last few days.

Funeral Service

Steinbach Mennonite Church
Loewen Blvd
Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada

Interment

Heritage Cemetery
395 Loewen Blvd
Steinbach, Manitoba, Canada