Peter Skiehar

Peter passed away peacefully, while surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, December 18, 2016 at Dulcina Hospice in Calgary after a brave battle with Pancreatic Cancer. Peter is survived by his wife and soulmate, Linda; sons, Stephen and Dan Skiehar; stepchildren, Sandra (Tom) Fransham (Danika, Reese), Sally (Mike) Dougherty (Emily, Sarah), Scott (Sheila) Sauer (Charlie, Ellis), and Suzanne Sauer; sisters, Phyllis (Paul) Berkley, and Sharon Skiehar; niece, Nikki (Brett) Welder; and his faithful companion Georgie the Shih Tzu. Peter was an RN. His choice of career was an expression of his kind, generous nature. His approach was one of tough love for people who needed guidance and accountability, yet his hands raised many in need; strangers, friends, and family. Peter cared deeply for the welfare of everyone around him, and was happiest when friends and family were contented. Peter graduated with a Registered Psychiatric Nursing degree from Ponoka in 1971. Later, while working at the Drumheller Penitentiary, he earned his RN accreditation from Red Deer College. After working as Health Coordinator at Fort Saskatchewan Correctional, Peter transferred to Calgary Correctional Centre in 1988, where he met his wife, Linda Skiehar, also an RN. Peter's career then moved on to the Calgary Young Offenders Centre, where inmates and colleagues alike affectionately knew him as 'Doc' during his many years of exemplary service there. Peter retired in 2009 after 30 years of service to the Alberta Government. Peter's love of music spanned his decades. His children recall him always liking the music they brought home, and they often looked to his taste as a barometer of coolness. His other interests were fishing, golfing, camping, wine making, puzzles, and all manner of sports (even as recently as 5 months before his passing he dominated the younger 30 something members of his clan at frisbee golf). Above all else, Peter loved, adored and was proud of his family, who have been enriched by his love. A Celebration of Peter's Life will be held at the Balzac Community Centre (Balzac, AB) on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 2:00 pm. Hawaiian attire strongly encouraged. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Peter's family through www.evanjstrong.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made to Dulcina Hospice (110 Evanspark Manor NW; Calgary, Alberta T3P 0N4; Phone:587.230.5500; website: www.covenantcare.ca) or to Pancreatic Cancer Research (website: www.crs-src.ca). Peter's family sincerely thanks Airdrie Home Care, including the Palliative Care team, and the staff at Dulcina Hospice, who journeyed alongside us. Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. (403) 265-1199.