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Peter Sainsbury

Image by Nick Andréka

PETER HAMILTON SAINSBURY

September 3, 1928 – April 1, 2024

With deep sorrow, we announce that Peter Hamilton Sainsbury, of Winnipeg, MB., passed away, at the age of 95, Monday, 01 April 2024.  Peter was born in Andover, Hampshire, England and had a very eventful life.   He will be sorely missed by family and friends - his adoring wife, Donna - her children Pamela (Stewart), Troy (Stewart) {Tanya} - her grandchildren - Madison and Daniel. The family in England - his daughter Margaret (Cox) {Richard}, his grandchildren - Peter {Sally}, Edward {Samantha}, and the three great-grandchildren - Reuben and Todd, and Scarlett. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Annie and his brothers, Victor and Reginald. He especially enjoyed being with his grandchildren when life and health would permit. We give thanks to our wonderful family who have supported 'us' throughout our journey with Peter. A special thanks to our neighbours and friends who have helped "us" over the years.  


As a young man, Peter traveled extensively, spending time working inside and outside of England. He had joined the British Army at 17, spending time in several countries including then Rhodesia, Tunisia, and Egypt; for example. Then leaving the army, he strengthened his love for Africa, working and living throughout the continent in the early 1950s. He arrived in Canada in 1957 starting his next adventure in life, working in the oil fields of northern Alberta. He later became an oil field specialist, involved with air and sea lifts. His greatest adventure, for some thirty years, occurred as he traversed across the Arctic and Northern Canada. We note that he worked for several oil companies including Beau Drill - finally retiring in 1988. He enjoyed working at Enterprise Rent-a-Car, his part-time gig in his later years.


Peter had a winning personality, and so enjoyed a joke and a lively conversation... particularly on a beautiful summer evening with close friends over wine, good food, and laughter. He loved animals... dogs but not cats so much. He loved the beauty of a flower garden, having a lovely home, fishing with his friends, having his weekly breakfast outing with the 'boys'; and... food! Peter loved the adventure of eating food from many different cultures. In sum, Peter was an adventurer who always encouraged others to go and see the world - be it by land, sea or by air... He loved history, an avid reader of historical books - both fiction and non-fiction. He was an avid TV watcher of documentaries - and was a lifelong learner.


Peter always suggested that it is ok to have your head occasionally in the clouds, while always having your feet planted solidly on the ground. He was proud of his English heritage and often spoke of his love for the English culture and beautiful countryside. His favourite English quote was "Keep calm and carry on." He will be missed so much.


Peter’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.


A private "Celebration of Life" - for family and friends is to be held in July. We kindly ask that you donate to a charity of your choice. If so desired, donations can be made to the Palliative Care Unit, Riverview Health Centre, or the CancerCare Manitoba Foundation.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

Memories, Stories and Condolences

 

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Margaret Cox (sainsbury)

July 2, 2024 at 6:06 PM

I absolutely adored my father as a child, to me he was a giant and a hero, over the many years nothing made me alter that feeling. Although we weren't able to see each other very often the depth of love never lessened. I saw him in January this year for the very last time and am writing this as I wait for the plane to bring me back for 1 final time. He will be missed by everyone who knew him.

Sherrie

May 9, 2024 at 4:10 PM

I really enjoyed hearing about Peter’s adventures in Africa. He was fun to be around. He will really be missed!❤️

My deep condolences to Donna, Pam and the rest of his family!

Lots of love!! 

Francis, Anya, Rémi & Sylvie

May 9, 2024 at 3:50 PM

A lovely video-tribute. Wishing you peace and comfort as you navigate this difficult time.


Murray MacKay

May 9, 2024 at 3:49 PM

In 1962 I got a summer job on the DEW Line at Cambridge Bay in the NWT where Pete Sainsbury was my supervisor. This was my first time away from home, but Pete's welcoming, reassuring manner settled any anxiety I may have had.


Years later my wife Carol and I were  in downtown Winnipeg when we bumped into Pete and his wife outside of Eaton's. He recalled our short time together, and we spent a few minutes sharing memories

So nice to see him and be remembered.

Susan Katanna

May 9, 2024 at 3:44 PM

I know Donna and Peter from our days curling at the Heather Curling club on Saturday night at 5:00 pm in the 1980s.  What great times we enjoyed!  And Peter was in the middle of its all...flirting and joking and flirting all the way!  What great entertainment he provided!  And it was nice to see him and Donna again at our lunches during the last few years.  It is odd to see that Peter fell in love with Africa...much as my dad did during his time with the navy during WWII...he always wanted to go back to South Africa to live there.

My deepest condolences to Donna and family.  I feel your loss of this wonderful man.

💔

Len Herbach

May 9, 2024 at 3:43 PM

My condolences to Donna and family.


Margaret and Chris Boumford

May 9, 2024 at 3:43 PM

We remember Peter as a cherished neighbour and friend


He was a gentleman in the truest sense of the word; informed, chivalrous and kind hearted.

In admiration we watched him work long days in his yard alongside Donna.


Here we enjoyed many summer evenings on the deck, with wine and food, putting the world to rights; great companionship in beautiful surroundings.

We will miss him


Russ Duffy

May 9, 2024 at 3:43 PM

I met Pete in the late '70s while working on the DEW Line at Fox Main (Hall Beach, NWT).  Our respective offices were located in the HQ building.  As the Petroleum, Oil, & Lubricants (POL) Specialist for the DEW Line, he was often away visiting the varioius sites, especially during the annual Sea Lift (and Air Lift for the land locked sites).  I still have a couple of photographs he gave me, taken from one of the refueling ships he was on, of a pod of Polar Bears swimming out on the Arctic Ocean, miles from land. When he was at home base we had many interesting conversations about life and especially travel.  He was a great conversationalist, had a wonderful sense of humor, and always seemed to have a smile on his face. He even let me "help" him a couple of times to dip the fuel storage tanks at Fox Main.  He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

My condolences to his family & friends.

Brian and Irene

May 9, 2024 at 3:42 PM

Sincere condolences on your loss.

Neighbours for 30 + years.

Jim and Jean (Kelowna)

May 9, 2024 at 3:40 PM

We have known Pete and Donna for many years.  We will really miss Pete.  We remember his wonderful sense of humour and his vast knowledge of the world and interesting events. We had great times together at curling at the Heather curling Club, good times in threir back yard or at our place, having supper or coffee. We also went golfing and enjoyed movies together.  We know you miss him, Donna.  Our love to you.      

Scott and Brenda Lee

May 9, 2024 at 3:31 PM

Our friendship with Peter & Donna grew out of neighbourly encounters via shovelling snow, mowing grass, and gardening together.  Peter was always quick to offer a drink (to warm up, of course) while we sifted through a lifetime collection of black &

white photos and listened to  his colourful stories.   Donna, you enriched Peter’s life with your grace & kindness.  We always looked forward to spending time with you both at your garden gatherings, special occasion dinners, and winter visits. We raise our glasses to Peter’s wonderful life!

Tanya

May 9, 2024 at 3:19 PM

Peter was a delightful Father-in-law.  He was a kind and loving Grandfather.  He was always getting the kids in giggles with flashlight faces, creating funny hats and sharing Arctic memories. 

Rita and Peter Barclay

May 9, 2024 at 12:28 PM

Our sincere condolences to Donna and family.  We really enjoyed our dinner with you both indoors and outdoors.  Peter is missed.   

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