Peter Raphael Loster, of Vernon, BC and formerly of Yorkton, SK, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2012 at the North Okanagan Hospice House after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was 51 years of age. Peter, the son of Leonard and Eleanor Loster, grew up in Yorkton and completed his elementary school in the separate school system. He went to St. Joseph's Junior High and Sacred Heart High school where he became very active in the Drama Club. This interest was rekindled later in his life as Peter was involved with the Yorkton Theatre Group. During his high school years, most weekends and summer holidays were spent with his Konesceni "brothers" at Ray and Mary's farm near Dysart, SK. After graduation, Peter worked at a variety of jobs including the Games Gallery, the City of Yorkton - Water Treatment Plant, Deer Park Golf Course, CJGX Radio and for the past 23 years at Canada Post. He transferred to Vernon, BC with Canada Post in 2006. This afforded him the opportunity to revisit his interest in acting and pursue a part-time acting career. He joined the Powerhouse Theatre in casting and production as well as participating in commercials, documentaries and silent parts on the big screen. Peter also formed many cherished friendships in the area. Throughout his life, he was an avid sports fan, dedicated to his beloved Boston Bruins, New Jersey Devils, Seattle Seahawks, Saskatchewan Roughriders, Yorkton Terriers and for the past five years - the Vernon Vipers. He was actively involved in baseball, slow pitch, shinny and recently curling. He enjoyed golf and fishing with his buddies and his nephews. He also coached Special Olympics and was an avid dart player. Pete's vast collection of music provided solace for him. No day was complete without coffee with "the boys" and/or lunch at the "Greeks" (George and Cimos). Being with his friends and family whatever the occasion was his favourite way of spending time. Pete was a man of simple means. He lived life in his own way and on his own terms. Pete would selflessly lend a hand to anyone in need in his own unassuming way and never sought any recognition for it. His positive attitude, contagious smile and grand personality endeared him to everyone he met. Pete's wit and sense of humour carried him through many personal and medical obstacles in his infancy, early childhood, mid-life years and most recently when he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour in 2002. Along with the tremendous support he received from his network of close friends and family, his faith and determination to "beat it" sustained him for nine years. Then in 2011, when the tumour resurfaced along with a secondary diagnosis of acute leukemia, he continued to travel yet another difficult journey with conviction and hope. Pete's family would like his friends and family to remember - If you think that you were inspired by Peter; know that you also inspired him and gave him the courage to continue. When you remember Pete, know that each and every one of you had an important place in his life and in his memories. Peter was predeceased by his parents, Leonard and Eleanor Loster; his brother, John; his stepson, Donnie Herman and his father-in-law, Alf Falkowsky. He leaves to mourn his loss, his stepson, Paul Herman (Stacey Pfeifer) and Paul's mother, Sharon; his three beloved furry kids - his cats, Rringo, Wrocko and Dude; his brothers, Len (Evelyn) and Murray (Cheryl); his sisters, Shirley Pierce and Steph (Rick) Young; his sister-in-law, Glenda Loster as well as numerous nieces, nephews and MANY wonderful friends. A social to celebrate his life was held in Vernon, BC on January 21, 2012. Funeral Mass was celebrated on January 28, 2012 from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton, SK with Father Francis Hengen officiating. The organist, Pam Yaremko and other members of St. Gerard's Music Ministry led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Be Not Afraid", "Psalm 25", "The Prayer of St. Francis", "Here I Am Lord", "Immaculate Mary", "Song of the Angels" and "Now Thank We All Our God". The Knights of Columbus Council #2031 formed a Guard of Honour and the Urn Bearer was Paul Herman. The Cremation Committal will take place at a later date. 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.
