Peter Poohkay

Peter Poohkay passed away peacefully at Good Samaritans, West Highlands Lethbridge, on Friday July 29, 2022, at the glorious age of 101.

Peter was born at Derwent Alberta, on March 15, 1921, to proud parents Mike and Mary Poohkay. At the age of 20 Peter enlisted in the Canadian Army. He was a blacksmith/welder with the 3rd Division, 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade Workshop and a proud lifetime member of RCEME. On D-Day June 6th, 1944, Peter shipped out to France with the invasion force. They sat offshore for 2 days waiting for an area to be cleared of land mines so they could set up shop. Peter said they felt like sitting ducks even though the ship had barrage balloons tethered to it.  Finally on June 8, 1944, they landed on Juno Beach. His unit moved with the front, maintaining equipment throughout France, Belgium, Holland and finally Germany where the war ended.

On his return to Canada after the war, Peter homesteaded in Eaglesham Alberta. He put his welder training from the Army to good use and joined the Boilermakers Union. He worked on the building of many of the water towers in western Canada, Lethbridge water tower and the Airdrie water tower to name a couple.

On January 18, 1968, Peter married the love of his life, Norma, and became an instant stepdad to 4 boys. In the late 1970’s Peter and Norma moved to Westbank B.C. and later Kelowna B.C. In 2002 they moved back to Airdrie Alberta to be closer to family.

Peter and Norma were avid travelers. Peter’s favorite trip was the intercity trip between Kelowna and Veendam Holland to mark the 40th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands. He proudly reported that the Dutch people hailed them as heroes and treated them royally. Peter was a proud World War 2 veteran and longtime member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He wore his medals with pride especially the Legion of Honour medal he received from the French Government on April 7, 2015.

Peter is survived by his sons Greg (Donna) Williams of Edmonton, Morgan (Mary Lee) Williams, of Blairmore, Rusty Williams, of Edmonton, Wesley (Rhonda) Williams, of Beaumont; brother Alex Poohkay of Edmonton; 7 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families. 

Peter was predeceased by his parents Mike and Mary Poohkay; wife Norma; brothers John, Bill, Fred, Nick and Bob; sisters Helen and Anne, and granddaughter Tracy Williams                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the charity of their choice.

Interment will be held at a later date at Castor Alberta Cemetery.

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