Peter John Popoff
July 5, 1933 – Dec. 24, 2010
It is with renewed sorrow that our family announces the
unexpected passing of our beloved brother, husband,
father, Grampa and Great- Grampa, Peter John Popoff.
Peter was born in Grand Forks, B.C. on July 5, 1933
to John and Polly Popoff and lived in Kelowna before
finally settling in Williams Lake in 1959.
In 1969 Pete married Lee and they bought the Home Service Station on Mackenzie Ave. which they operated together.
In 1975 Pete and Lee opened Skyridge Esso on the corner of
McKinnon Street and Eleventh Avenue. During those years,
everyone in the community likely found their way to that
station for gas, a mechanic, or perhaps for the Christmas
Eve cheer Pete offered up in the shop for his friends. Many
young people started their working careers pumping gas
for Pete and Lee and were taught the value of honesty
and integrity in business. While Pete had the Esso Station,
he continued driving school bus and many a child passed
through those bus doors to be met with his big smile and
twinkling eyes.
Pete will always be remembered for his generosity, laugh,
gentle nature, kind spirit, and the love he bore for every
member of his family.
To our family, Nanny and Grampa are what brought us
home. Pete was predeceased by Lee on Sept. 16, 2010 and
has gone to join her and keep his place by her side.
Left to mourn and honour him are his children Elaine (Don)
McFarlane, Bobby Essaunce, Tanya (Chad) Welsh, Daryl
(Connie) Buchholtz, Brenda Weekes (Glen Lyne), Gaylene
(Mark) Desautels and his 14 grandchildren and 2 greatgrandchildren who were so incredibly blessed to know his love and his laughter. He also leaves behind his brothers
Larry Popoff, Cecil (Eileen) Popoff, Nick (Arlene) Papov, his
sister Lillian (Jim) Popoff , and many nieces and nephews
who will cherish him always.
Peter was predeceased by Lee (nee Hoyer), his loving wife
of 41 years on Sept. 16th, 2010, his brother John Popoff and
parents John and Polly Popoff. In lieu of flowers, donations
can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation in Peter’s
memory. A memorial service will be held January 15th @
11:00 at the United Church on Huckvale Place.
Arrangements are entrusted to LaPrairie’s
Alternative Funeral Services 398-9100.