BRIGIDEAR - With sadness, but also a huge appreciation for the long active life he lived, Peter's family announces the end of his journey, on November 25, 2011. Peter Andrew Brigidear was born on July 1, 1916, at home, to Andrew and Pauline (nee Yaroski) Brigidear. Peter was predeceased by his parents, brothers, John, Mike, Harry, Philip, Alex, and sisters, Mary and Nettie. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Rose; his daughters, Diana (Brian Schwab) and Arlene (Peter Predinchuk); grandchildren, Melanie Christopherson and Kevin Schwab; great-grandchildren, Bailey and Connor Christopherson; sister, Anne, sisters-in-law, Hazel, Doris, Nellie and numerous nieces and nephews. Peter had an excellent memory, and, always the story-teller, and was quick to relate any of his many stories about his childhood on the family farm, his band days, and life on the farm. Peter attended Torsk and Wroxton schools, before leaving school to work on the family farm. Since he was the youngest son in the family, he assisted many of his siblings, when they started their own farms. Peter will be remembered as an ardent musician. Peter and his brother, Philip were both talented self-taught musicians. In 1936, they formed a band and, for 12 years, entertained many at dances, weddings and various functions. On November 23, 1947, Peter married his long-time sweetheart, Rose Harasen. They were a team for 64 years; working hard on the farm his parents homesteaded. In 1957, Peter joined the REMCO team, selling and installing monuments for a period of forty years. Because of his excellent customer service, he received many of his customers by word-of-mouth. Always ready for new challenges, in 1970, Peter studied for his insurance license, and became a general insurance agent, first with Wawanesa, and then with the Co-operators, in 1976. In April, 1985, Peter and Rose retired to Yorkton, to the home that they enjoyed until Peter's passing. Peter remained active, at home, until a week before his passing. Peter was always active in the community and generously volunteered his time. He served on: Torsk and Calder school boards for a total of 25 years, on the church executive at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Calder, as a member of Calder's Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Committee for at least 15 years, as an R.M. Councillor for four years, on the Board of Governors of the Yorkton Hospital and Nursing Home for 6 years, on the Wroxton Kessock telephone board as Director and President for 31 years. When Peter and Rose first retired, they joined volunteer crews who served at functions at St. Mary's Cultural Centre, and, in his later years, were choir members at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton. Peter was always willing to lend a helping hand to his family and neighbours. The family wishes to thank Dr. Oluwole Oduntan and staff at the City View Medical Centre, for Peter's care. Prayers were held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK and the Requiem Divine Liturgy was sung on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 from St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Father Peter Pidskalny, C.Ss.R. officiated both services and was assisted in the singing of the service by Mr. Ed Pindus and members of the Yorkton Ukrainian Catholic Choir. The Cross Bearer was Kevin Schwab and Epistle Reader was Melanie Christopherson. Interment followed in the family plot in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Bernard Brigidear, Edward Derworiz, Glenn Yaroski, Owen Christopherson, Mark Butchko, and Kevin Toffan as the pallbearers. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
