Celebration of Life: Jack Peters

Jun 30, 2022

We are saddened to announce the passing of Jack Peters, a long-time Rotarian and contributing member of the Vernon community.

Jack served as President of the Vernon Rotary Club in 1982-1983, and was District Governor of District 506 in 1990-1991. He was instrumental in installing the Rotary wheel on the plinth at the International border at Oroville/Osoyoos. He was the District's first recipient of the prestigious Harald Henderson Award, and served his Club and District in many ways for several decades.

Jack Peters was the sixth of ten children born to a Mennonite farm family in Osler, Saskatchewan. His ancestors immigrated to Manitoba from Russia in 1874 and then moved on to Saskatchewan about two years later.

In 1954 Jack met Betty at a party and asked her to dance. He says that although he stepped on her toes a few times, she agreed to marry him a year later. Their marriage has given them three daughters, Sheila, Sharon and Sandra, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Shortly after they were married Jack took a job with Lloyds Tire Company in Grand Prairie, Alberta. He later joined Dunlop Canada and worked for them in several locations until 1968 when they moved to Vernon, BC. There, he started Peters Tirecraft. That business grew to include a wholesales network of 250 dealers and 7 Tirecraft stores. They sold the company and retired in 1988 after 34 years in the tire and battery business.

He has received many Rotary honors including the first Harold Henderson Award for significant service to District 5060. He is currently an Honorary member of the Vernon Rotary Club. In addition to Rotary, Jack enjoys golf, curling, travel and listening to music.

Jack passed in Vernon on 23 June, 2022, after a brief stay in the hospital. There is a celebration of life Tuesday July 5th for those able to make it.

Service at 1:00pm. Venue: Grace Bible Church, 5661 Silver Star Road, Vernon B.C.

Rotary International, Vernon, and the entire Okanagan are better for having had Jack amongst us. Our deepest condolences are extended to his family.