Pickersgill, Peter Michael of Vulcan, AB, beloved husband of Ramona Pickersgill, passed away at his home on November 14, 2022 at the age of 95 years.
Peter is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Ramona (Mo); his son, Mike; two daughters, Luann and Nancy (Cliff) Chudleigh; grandchildren, Tanis Cross (Jordy), Cade Chudleigh, Ben Chudleigh and Branden Chudleigh (Katherine); sister, Freddie Pringle; many nieces, nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.
Peter was born on April 8, 1927 in the village of Stanley in the County of Durham, England to John and Miriam Pickersgill. When he was three, Peter’s father moved the family to Canada to build a better life. John Sr. was then able to pursue his love of music through teaching at High River and playing with the Calgary Symphony Orchestra (later to become the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra).
Peter followed in his father’s footsteps, taking up trumpet at the age of nine. His musical ability lead him to play with the High River Elks Band, the High River Army Reserve Band and to conducting the Army Cadet Band at Calgary and the County Band and Choir at Vulcan. Peter and his brother Jack formed a small dance band that entertained the High River and Vulcan areas for 35 years. Remembrance Day will always be poignant for his family, as Peter played “The Last Post” for 69 consecutive years. Many of Peter’s family members were delighted to find a Happy Birthday ‘tootle’ on their answering machines, or to experience his fun and uplifting, “When the Saints Go Marching In”.
Peter was raised at High River, Alberta. He was a natural athlete and spoke fondly of his teenage years, caring for polo ponies, swimming in the Highwood River and playing baseball and hockey. Peter received four years of Air Cadet training in preparation for WWII, however the war ended before he came of age.
After formal training at Red Deer, Peter went on to a career in journalism, working for The High River Times, The Calgary Herald and The Vulcan Advocate, eventually owning the latter. Through his time at the Advocate, Peter traveled to every province in Canada and enjoyed several trips overseas.
Peter was a member of the Alberta Weekly Newspapers Association, serving as president in 1975. He was also a member and served on the Canadian Weekly Newspapers Association board for eight years. Closer to home, Peter was a member of the Lions Club for 65 years, serving as president in 1973. He received a meritorious lifetime membership with the Vulcan Canadian Legion and was an honorary member of the Vulcan Golf Course. Peter was always committed to his community and happily served them through his 65 years with the Vulcan Lion’s Club.
Pete and Mo were married in 1956. They built fond memories and lasting friendships through camping, travel, and winter months at Yuma. In retirement, Peter dedicated precious time to being the best grandparent his grandchildren could ask for. Peter was a very gregarious and social person. His commitment and love for his family, friends and community will be cherished forever.
A private family Celebration of Life was held. The family gratefully declines flowers but tributes in Peter’s memory may be made to the Vulcan Lions Club, Box 248, Vulcan, AB. T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Mo, Luann, Mike, Nancy & extended family,
My deepest sympathy in the passing of Pete. May your memories help you through this difficult time .
Rhonda Bews
God speed to the Pickersgill family; small world as he lived on my farm in the 1970’s and I’ve written for the Advocate for over 10 years. I had the pleasure of meeting him once, his daughter Luann and they are nice people. Thanks for everything!
Peter was such a pillar of Vulcan and always fun to visit with. Lots of childhood memories of him at Remembrance Day services and just meeting him on the street day to day. A great man with a great family, my heart goes out to you.
With much sympathy
So sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. I played with him in the Vulcan County Band and will always remember him playing The Last Post on his trumpet.
My sincere condolences to Peter’s family. I have many happy memories of our friendship through the years. He was a wonderful man. Mary Readman, Consort
My deepest sympathy to Pickersgill Family. Condolences to Mo, Luanne, Mike, Nancy and families. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Peter was one of a kind. So sorry to hear of his passing. So enjoyed the time we had together during the newspaper days. I would drive from Claresholm and meet up with Peter to take turns getting out papers to the press. Often Peter would be waiting playing his trumpet.
Curling Bonspiels were so much fun.
Rest easy old friend I will never forget you.
Sad to hear of Peter’s passing. We had many great times with Peter and Mo during our association with the Alberta Weekly Newspapers. Peter was a dedicated newspaper man. Mo and family, Carolyne and I are thinking of you during these times of grief.
So sorry to hear about Pete. Another Vulcan icon gone from our midst. He was so much part of the community through his work at the Advocate, Lions and by just being himself with everyone within the community. He will be missed by many.
Peter was a great asset to our community for many years, a true gentleman .
Our condolences to all the family
Mo, Luann and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Peter. He was so fun loving and kind and just thinking of him makes me smile. I was in the Vulcan County Band when he was the leader and I always appreciated his great musical talent and his teaching abilities. His mastery of “The Last Post” at Remembrance Day ceremonies in Vulcan is something I will remember always. You were so blessed to have such a man in your lives.
Mo, Luann, Mike, Nancy & Extended Family,
My deepest sympathy on the passing of Pete. I will always remember him from the Advocate in Vulcan where I grew up. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
Mo and family, we are so sad to hear of Peter’s passing. He was a very good person who cared about his family, his friends and his community. Our hearts are with you all and know the fun and good memories of Peter will support you all.
Tom and Judy Roberts
Sad times……While I cannot remember when I first met Peter at newspaper conventions, meetings etc. I will never forget the kindness he showed a young punk kid from Drumheller trying to make it in the newspaper business. Said meetings were always more fun when Peter showed up, and his booming voice was often used to get attention. This writer will never forget him and his shenanigans, rest easy , old friend.
My sincere condolences on Peter’s passing. I remember both him and Mo when our family lived in Vulcan 25 years ago. Peter was involved in and contributed to so much in the community…more than I was aware of until reading his obituary. Prayers are with you as you celebrate Peter’s life.
Dear Mo & family so sorry to hear that we have lost Peter. He has been such a vibrant member of our community for many years.
Seeing you without him will compound the sadness.
Take care my friend.
So sorry to here of your lost . He was a great icon in our community. He always seemed to have a beautiful spirit about him. Pete will be missed.
To a life well lived-and well loved. May the hole in each of your hearts be filled with so many loving memories.
Hi Sylvia. It’s Mike. Thanks so much for your words. Like all of us, we go thru an emotional rollercoaster as our parents age.
My father was in bad shape a year ago and pulled thru so we’re very blessed to share another year.
Thank you for your thoughts.
Mike.
So sorry to hear of Peters passing. We had a great business relationship and a lot of fun and good times. He will be greatly missed.
Frank and Agnes McInenly and family
So sorry to hear of Pete’s passing, but what a life well lived.
My sincere sympathy goes out to Mo, and to all of the Pickersgill family, on Peter’s passing! How well I remember him … working at The Advocate … covering local events … volunteering with a variety of community organizations … and always “being there” for the people of The County of Vulcan! I read his wonderful obituary with great interest, and learned so many really interesting things about The Pickersgill Family! I myself studied Journalism at SAIT when I was young and appreciated input I received at the time from Peter on my career choice! He and Mo were a real team … known by everyone and appreciated by all in the County of Vulcan … and far beyond! My thoughts are with you all!
Mo and family was so sad to here of Petes passing. “Uncle” Pete you are going to be missed so very much by those you left behind. I am sure there is beautiful music, lots of laughs and plenty of shenanigans’ where ever you are now. Sharon
Peter was a really great guy. Sorry to hear of his passing
Ron Deitz