Peter Kiez

Born on July 10, 1925 and raised on the farm in the rural municipality of Strathclair, Manitoba. Attended Prince of Wales, a one-room rural school during the entire span of the Great Depression (1929-1937). After completing grade 8, obtained grades 9 and 10 by correspondence, and then completed grades I I and 12 at Elphinstone High School in 1944.

Immediately after the school year ended in June, enrolled in the army with the Royal Canadian Corps of Signalers, with training taken at Vimy Camp in Kingston, Ont. Graduated as a radio and telephone operator, just as the war ended in Europe. Posted to Halifax, N.S. to serve on demobilization and communication duties until all veterans completed their return home from overseas. Returned to civilian life before reaching his 21st birthday.

Upon returning to civilian life, enrolled in the Faculty of Agriculture, at the University of Manitoba, earning his Bachelor of Science degree (BSA) in May 1951, at which time he was hired on with Manitoba Department of Agriculture, as Agricultural Representative for the rural area of Fisher Branch, MB.

In 1957 he accepted a transfer to Dauphin, to serve the Dauphin-Ethelbert area. After 36 years of dedicated service as Ag. Rep. He retired in 1987, and continued to reside in Dauphin, in the home that he and his wife Ollie planned and built soon after moving to Dauphin, and where they raised their three children.

Peter's major interest was in biology, and he specialized in devoting much of his career life to weed and insect control programs, field crops and horticulture. Being a people-person, he took great pride in working with 4-H Clubs, Agricultural and Horticultural Societies, and initiating numerous training courses and programs throughout his career.

Peter always felt that the rural population needed updated information, so he developed a weekly news column, in the Dauphin Herald, entitled "Topics on Agriculture" that was published continually until he retired in 1987.

During his earlier career, Peter attended numerous up-grading courses at the University of Manitoba, and in 1969 he attended a hands-on training program at the University of Arizona, in Tucson, where he gained much valuable knowledge in communication skills and audio-visual techniques.

His desire to learn and to improve his own knowledge was equally as strong as his desire to provide competent service to Agriculture and to the rural population. Joining the Dauphin Toastmasters Club where training in communication skills was the objective, gave him the opportunity to provide these skills to 4-H Club members and youth programs.

Socially, Peter and Ollie enjoyed dancing. During the early 1970's and into the 1980s, they belonged to the "Dauphin Quick Steppers" square dance club, and after retirement, they joined a Ballroom Dance Club in Winnipeg, and enjoyed this past-time for many years.

Peter and Ollie were avid golfers and were members of the Gilbert Plains Golf Club since 1965, when the club was first developed. They participated in the various tournaments throughout the Parkland region. They joined the Manitoba Society of Seniors (MSOS) and participated in the annual Provincial Senior Games every year, winning numerous gold, silver and bronze medals in 10 of the 13 years. They both earned the privilege to compete in the Canada Senior Games at Summerside P.E.I. in 2002 and at Whitehorse, Yukon, in 2004.

In life, Peter always faced new challenges with determination. He was always intrigued about learning to pilot an airplane, so he enrolled in a flight training school conducted by Aberson Air Services, and earned his private pilot's license in 1978. Using this strictly for pleasure and enjoyment, and after his personal ego was satisfied, he gave that up, satisfied with his accomplishment.

Peter was an ardent supporter of Canada's National Ukrainian Festival, serving as a volunteer during the early years, and later serving on the Board of Directors for 6 years, Parade Chairman for 12 years, and Hospitality chairman for 15 years, and finally retiring to chauffeur the Hospodar and Hospodania in the festival parade using their antique classic car which was their pride and joy.

Peter will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Patricia (& Ian) Brown; sons Dustin (& Betsy Ross) Chase; Kelvin Kiez; grand-daughter Amy (& Shane) Fitzgerald and great grandson Austin;. grandson Christopher (& Emily) Brown and great grandson Clinton and great grand daughter Grace. He will also be remembered by his only remaining sister Lillian Puritch, and his only remaining sister-in-law Elsie Kiez, and all the nieces & nephews.

Peter was predeceased by his wife and soul mate, Ollie of 68 years; parents John & Emily; step-mother Molly Kiez; sisters Marian & Michael Catcher; Elsie & Nick Hryciuk; brothers Mervin & Stella Kiez; Dan Kiez; Andrew & Shirley Kiez; parents-in-law Metro & Maria Pawchuk; brother-in-law Orest Pawchuk.

Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 10:00 am from St. George's Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Dauphin, MB with Very Rev. Fr. Brent Kuzyk officiating.

Interment followed in the Riverside Cemetery.

This service was live streamed for those who were unable to attend.

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