It is with great sadness the family announces the peaceful passing of Peter Couldwell, our beloved husband, father, papa, brother and uncle.
Peter was born March 18, 1937 in Prince George, B.C. and came to Quesnel as a baby. Parents Norman and Janet Couldwell adopted Peter, then later siblings Cathie, Rick and Rena. The family made Quesnel their home where Norman worked as a custodian at G.R. Baker Hospital and Janet as a teacher.
On September 6, 1958 after a year of courtship, Peter married Elaine Turner and together they raised two children; Barbara and Douglas. Over the years, Peter held various jobs around the Quesnel area, working mainly in the lumber and logging industry while also running a cow/calf operation at Hidden Valley Ranch, on the Blackwater Road.
In 1968, Peter and Elaine began a tradition of open house Boxing Day parties that continued until 2013. There are many great memories of these get-togethers with everyone either playing musical instruments, snowmobiling, tobogganing or simply enjoying dinner and forging friendships with the people who returned year after year.
Over the years, Peter served on many clubs and organizations throughout the community and loved to volunteer. This inspired him in 1973 to attend school in Billings, Montana to become an auctioneer. Over the next 40 years, he raised in excess of $2.8 million for local charities as well as serving 21 years as a councillor for the City of Quesnel.
Peter was predeceased by his parents Norman and Janet Couldwell and brother Rick. He is survived by his loving wife Elaine, children Barbara (Shelden) Lusk and Douglas (Leanne) Couldwell, his sisters Cathie (Paul) Isaacson and Rena McRae, grandchildren Dayton (Kelly) Lusk, Reagan Lusk, Tessa and Jill Couldwell.
A celebration of Peter’s life was held Feb. 21 at the Quesnel Seniors’ Centre. The family would like to thank the community for its overwhelming support. To our family and many friends, a heartfelt thank you for all of your kind words and thoughtfulness during this difficult time.
We would also like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of G.R. Baker Hospital and Dunrovin Park Lodge for the care and comfort shown to Peter, as well as Clayton’s Funeral Home for all their assistance and compassion.
We’d like to leave you with the words Peter closed every auction with…
”We never say good-bye, just so long until next time.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation in Peter’s memory may do so to any local charity or organization of your choice.