Tribute

Peter was born in Hexham, Northumberland, United Kingdom, in a castle that was converted into a hospital during World War II. Peter and his family lived nearby in Whitley Bay. In October 1947, when Peter was seven years old, he, his brother David, and their mother sailed aboard the HMS Aquitania from the UK to Canada. His father was waiting for them after starting a new life for the family in Canada. When arriving in Canada, Peter had his first taste of Coca-Cola, a beverage not available in the UK at the time.

As a young boy, Peter helped in his family’s corner store on Chemong Road in Peterborough, after school, gaining his first exposure to business. He attended Peterborough Collegiate and Vocational School (PCVS), where he completed Grade 13 in 1959. It was during his high school years that he met his future wife, Beverly as they both worked at a local branch of the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), with Peter as a teller and Beverly as a secretary. The couple married on June 2, 1962.

In 1964, Peter became a Canadian citizen. Peter had a strong interest in accounting and finance, and his first professional opportunity came with Canadian National Railway (CNR). As his career progressed, Peter developed a passion for mining, which led to several relocations for his work.

Peter and Beverly had two children, Allan and Sheryl. Peter was a devoted husband and father who encouraged and supported everyone he loved.

Peter’s career took him to various locations across Western Canada, including Tasu, a small village in Haida Gwaii, off British Columbia’s Coast, to Elsa, Yukon, where he served as an office manager with United Keno Silver, and a short stint in Sparwood, British Columbia, where he worked as a cost analyst at Kaiser Coal. In 1973 he joined Newmont Mining, first in Princeton, BC at the town’s copper mine as the chief mine accountant and later in Vancouver as the corporate controller of Newmont’s Canadian operations. It was in Greater Vancouver, where he finally settled with his family. Peter became a prominent figure in the accounting profession and in the mining industry. Peter lived with his family first in North Delta before moving to Surrey where he lived out the remainder of his life.

In addition to his professional achievements, Peter was deeply involved in the accounting community. He co-founded the Yukon chapter of the Certified Management Accountants (CMA) Society. Beyond his professional success, Peter was deeply involved in his community. He was an active member of the Lions Club, and, in 1977, he joined the Grandview Masonic Lodge, where he made lasting connections and contributions.

Peter loved spending time with his family whether it was building a skating rink in the Yukon, taking road trips to the BC interior, flying back to Ontario to visit family, or taking Beverly to Las Vegas or Hawaii or trips to Palm Springs, California with his friends. Each of these moments were very important to him as he often reminisced during visits with him.

Peter also enjoyed playing golf with his friends on Saturdays and playing racquetball during lunch breaks at work. He also kept very busy at home where he was always making repairs and meticulous improvements to the homes he lived in. His dedication to both his career and his personal life made him a well-respected figure, and his passion for family, business, and community left an indelible mark on those who knew him.

Peter was predeceased by his beloved wife Beverly (Hall) in 2011. His legacy will live on through his children, Allan Rook-Green (Melissa), Sheryl Jones and grandchildren, Stephen, Gregory, Jennifer Rook-Green and Brendan Jones. He will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service will be held on January 11, 2025 at 1pm at St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church, 11601 82 nd Avenue, Delta, British Columbia. All are welcome to join the family for a reception in the church hall following the service.