PETER JOHN O’KANE
“He Fought A Good Fight”
On Wednesday,
November 21, 2012, Peter John O’Kane husband, son, brother, uncle and friend,
was taken from us too soon at the age of 42 years.
Peter will be
terribly missed by his beloved wife and best friend Polly; his parents Greg and
Marie; sister Tracy; brother in law Greg; nephew Andrew; as well as his two
Godsons, Jonah and Avery. He will be
greatly missed by his two devoted companions, Guinness and Rosie. He was
predeceased by his cousin Kieran, Uncle Liam, Uncle John, Granda Fleming and
Granny and Granda O'Kane. Peter will
also be forever remembered by the many steadfast friends and co-workers who
faithfully stood by him and his family during the best and worst of times. He is an inspiration to all who knew him.
Before meeting his
true love, Polly, Peter was born in Belfast, Ireland and immigrated to Canada
in 1974. He grew up in St. Francois
Xavier and attended St. Paul’s High School in Elie prior to completing his
degree in Psychology at the University of Manitoba.
In 1991 Peter began
his amateur boxing career and was a member of the Canadian Amateur Boxing Team
from 1994 - 1996. He trained at the Pan
Am Boxing Club where he was coached by Edward Yaremchuk. He also fought at the
Western Canadian Games and the Police Olympics. In 1999, Peter turned professional and
fought all across Canada and the US and was featured on TSN. Since retiring from boxing, he has mentored
many young athletes in pursuit of their own dreams.
As a proud member of
the Winnipeg Police Service, Peter continued to loyally serve the Service and
the citizens of Winnipeg until his passing. He was an Officer Safety Trainer
with the Winnipeg Police Service. He
trained hundreds of recruits and senior officers in self defense. Not only was
Peter a respected trainer with his own Service, but also trained U.S. Custom
Border officers, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center instructors, and
numerous municipal police agencies across Canada and the US Air Marshals.
Peter was dedicated
to his family and friends and was always willing to lend a helping hand at
every opportunity. He took great satisfaction in helping others. From pulling
someone out of a ditch, building a deck, or providing assistance wherever the
need arose. Peter was a talented carpenter who was highly sought after for his
fine workmanship.
Funeral
Liturgy will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the St.
Boniface Cathedral, 190, avenue de la Cathédrale, Saint-Boniface, Winnipeg, MB,
with Rev. Fr. Fred Olds presiding. A private family interment will be held at a
later date. Active Pallbearers are Greg Beaudin, Jamie MacDonald, Scott
McLennan, Jeff Norman, Rick Poneira, and Glen “Bootsy” Rand. Honorary
pallbearers are Brad Anderson, Steve Gambrel, Jon Lutz, Derek Pedrick, John
Richardson, Dave Shipman and Brooke Welby.
We
would like to extend a very heartfelt “thank you” to Jeff and Joanna. We could
not have made it through this trying time without your unwavering love and
support. There are no words. The family is very grateful to all who assisted in
Peter’s care. In particular, the
wonderful staff at the Health Science Centre (SICU). In addition to the
excellent care he received, the patience and compassion shown toward the
multitude of visitors that came in overwhelming numbers was stellar.
In
lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the CPA-Robert
Warner Memorial Fund. It distributes an
immediate, one-time financial assistance payment to the families of officers
who lose their lives in the line of duty. Payments can be made on-line at
Wojcik’s
Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.
For
Peter “The House of Pain” O’Kane…the bell has rung, the ten count is done.
1959
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