Peter Paul Degenstein passed away at Calgary, surrounded by his family, on September 7, 2006 at the age of 78 years.
Loving husband to June, dad to Brenda (Steve) Schlaht of Lomond, Dave (Lisa) Degenstein of Coutts, Karen Degenstein (Ron Spankovich) of Ajax, Ontario and Deb Degenstein (Kevin Rasmussen) of Calgary. Adored as “Papa Pete” to grandkids Karissa Schlaht and Steve Wong, Sherise and Jayden Schlaht, Devan, Garrett, Braydn and Carson Degenstein, and Alycia and Rachelle Degenstein. He is also survived by nine brothers and sisters.
Dad was predeceased by his parents and a sister.
Dad was born at Iron Springs, Alberta on February 18, 1928 to Peter John and Agnes Degenstein (Linderman).
Like many people born in the Depression era, Dad was a hard-working and honest man with strong family values, character and integrity. His generosity and love of his family led to great admiration by his children and grandchildren. We will remember him for his compassion for others and his heartfelt care of animals, big or small, tame or wild, his or not his.
Dad had a passion for the outdoors. He spent each fall hunting and shared that time with friends and four generations of family, including Gramps, his brothers-in-law, sons and grandsons. He also enjoyed many years of baseball and golfed up until two days before becoming ill. Camping trips were always fun and, if the weather turned bad or the sun went down, the cards would come out. Dad’s competitive nature also came out when playing pool and curling.
Another passion of Dad’s was agriculture. Not surprisingly, he had the healthiest and fattest cattle around. He also worked as an AI technician and worked up to being a Regional Supervisor with Alberta Hail and Crop Insurance Company. No matter what else he was doing, he continued to farm throughout his life. It is fitting that he passed away during harvest.
Dad always saw the good in people. No matter where he lived or worked, he developed life-long friendships. He enjoyed spending time with friends at Sam’s Pool Hall, the Senior Centre, on the golf course, playing cards and camping. He was looking forward to the upcoming hunting season. He enjoyed going for coffee and could not pass up fresh baking.
Peter, Dad, Papa; we will forever remember, miss, love and admire you. We are so lucky to have had you in our lives. Although we know Heaven has welcomed a very special person, our hearts still feel the sorrow.
Memorial service was held on Monday, September 11, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. at the Vulcan United Church with Canon R.S.H. Greene and Rev. Gordon Cranch officiating.
Honorary bearers were Karissa Schlaht, Steve Wong, Sherise Schlaht, Jayden Schlaht, Devan Degenstein, Garrett Degenstein, Braydn Degenstein, Carson Degenstein, Alycia Degenstein and Rachelle Degenstein.
Private Family Inurement Vulcan Cementery.
In lieu of flowers, tributes can be made to either S.T.A.R.S, 1441 Aviation Park N.E, Box 570, Calgary T2E 8M7 or S.P.C.A. Calgary Humane Society, 1323 – 36 Ave NE, Calgary T2E 6T6.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.