Obituary of Dr. Peter Joseph Van Deveire

Peter Van Deveire was born in Deloraine, Manitoba on May 7, 1956 to Joseph and Marie-Louise Van Deveire. Following a courageous battle with cancer, Peter passed away peacefully at home with his wife and children by his side. Peter grew up on a farm 6 miles east of Deloraine where he lived until he graduated from the Deloraine Collegiate Institute in 1974. After graduation, Peter worked for three years as an orderly at the Miscericordia Hospital in Winnipeg. He then enrolled at the University of Manitoba where he obtained his Bachelor's in Animal Science and Master's in Entomology. While involved in his studies, Peter met his future wife Betty Lam. In 1980, Peter was accepted into the Western College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. In 1981, after living apart for one year, Peter and Betty married in Winnipeg. Peter graduated in 1984 with his DVM and secured employment in Langenburg, SK. That same year, Peter became the proud father of his first child, Marcus. Although Peter enjoyed his work as a large animal practitioner in Langenburg, his devotion to his family brought him back to Manitoba. In 1985, Peter accepted a position with the Brandon Hills Veterinary Clinic and moved to Brandon with his family. Before the year's end, their second child Katherine had arrived. Peter thoroughly enjoyed his profession as a veterinarian working first as a mixed animal vet, later as a small animal vet, and finally, in 2007, as an inspector for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Peter was his children's greatest fan. When he wasn't coaching or umpiring, Peter was always found cheering for his children in the stands as he never missed an opportunity to watch them skate the length of the ice or run the bases. Even while battling cancer, Peter found the strength to bring himself to the diamond and watch Katy play slow pitch. With Betty's help, Peter re-established, coordinated, and instructed the Brandon Wildlife Junior Rifle Club from 2008 to 2010. Reading, hiking, woodworking, bird watching, and wine making were some of Peter's other hobbies. Peter is survived by his wife, Betty, children Marcus and Katy (Michael Panciera), sister Marieanne Peterson, mother-in-law Pui Yuk Lam, sisters-in-law Angie Lam and Sanny Lam (Paulo), brother-in-law Roy Lam (Anita), and several nieces and nephews. A celebration of Peter's life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel on September 8th, 2011. In passing, Peter wishes to thank all those who touched his life in a positive manner. Thanks to Dr. DuPloy and the nurses of the BRHA Cancer Program for their compassionate care. Special thanks to all those who supported Peter and enabled him to remain comfortably at home until his passing, including Dr. Groves, Melissa Dunbley (BRHA Palliative Care program coordinator), and the nurses of both the STEP and Home Care Program. Memorial gifts in Peter's memory can be made to CancerCare Manitoba to further research the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancers, or to the Brandon Regional Health Centre Foundation "Palliative Care".