Today we say goodbye to Peter Heptonstall, a great guy, beloved big brother, uncle and husband of the late Francesca Stone Heptonstall. To know Peter you have to imagine the early 60s in Liverpool, England. The Beatles were on the scene and Peter was part of it. When his family moved to Canada in 1967, he brought with him a passion for classic Triumph motorcycles, English cars, good beer, better Scotch, great friends and of course, Everton Football Club (sorry Raymond). In Canada, his life centered on hospitality. An executive chef and businessman, he worked in and managed several restaurants including the Unicorn Pub in Calgary. His talent and leadership was put to great use as he moved to Vancouver where he managed the Unicorn’s operations on site at Expo 86. In Victoria, he worked as an executive and head chef at many restaurants. In the last few year, he rediscovered his love of fine art and began painting again. His guitar was always close at hand. Through every moment he was warm, funny, caring and always a calm influence in life, family and business. For all of us that knew and loved him — siblings, nephews, nieces and friends — the world will never be quite the same. Goodbye Peter, we love you. He was born in Birmingham, England, September 11, 1951.
Peter passed away quietly from a brief illness this past week. He is survived by Raymond and Janine (Stone) Heptonstall, Mary (Heptonstall) Bartlett, Mark and Christine (Heptonstall) Keller, Jon and Jennifer (Heptonstall) Deakin, Colin Bartlett, Graham Bartlett,Tristan Heptonstall, Bonnie Heptonstall, Claire Keller, Ian Keller.
No services by request.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
11 Responses
Mary, so sorry for the loss of your big brother. I never had the pleasure to meet him; however, I especially recall the Beatles trivia on the Azamara….you were so quick to know the first few beats from the songs and when asked how so, you told us about Peter always playing their music when you were young in Liverpool. Along with other recollections, he was a great person. Lots of fine memories to treasure.
I knew Peter from his days at the Unicorn, then worked for him at the Robson Grill. Later, Peter took me under his wing at the Tides Inn on Saltspring Island, freely sharing his passionate knowledge of music, motorcycles, and Everton while teaching me how to cook.
We lost touch over the years, but his words and teachings come to mind every single day in my current life as an educator and father.
I send my heartfelt condolences to his family.
My most sincere condolences to Peter’s family.
I had the privilege of knowing and working with Peter for many years.
He was responsible for me securing my first Head chef’s job at the Calgary Unicorn.
Peter had a big heart, but didn’t want people to see it.
He was a very generous man but did not suffer fools and that’s what I loved about him.
I will cherish the memories I have of our times together for the rest of my life.
Peter was a very dear man and I am so glad to have known him. Please except my sincere sympathy for the loss of your beloved brother and uncle. Hold your memories of Peter close to your heart and know that you are in my thoughts.
I am writing this on behalf of my mother, Mildred Barclay, who is a long time resident of the Camelot and who has known Peter since he first came there. My mother felt she had a special connection with him as she was also from Britain, and he was always very kind to her. One time, when she was not feeling well, he asked her what she would like to eat and she said, “Bread pudding, but no one knows how to make that.” Of course, Peter did, and she was so happy. It ended up becoming a dessert at the Camelot. Please accept our deepest condolences on this very sudden and sad passing.
Sincerely, Christine (daughter) and Mildred Barclay
Surrounding you and your family with love as you say good bye to Peter. It sounds like he was an amazing man and I love how you shared who he was BEING in life, his passion for people and focus on enjoyment of the journey. Celebrate the memories and know he will continue to be in your heart forever.
Sending my sympathy and prayers to Peter’s family and friends. He will be missed very much by so many.
I had the pleasure of working with Peter at The Camelot, he always impressed the residents with his tasty dishes. We all enjoyed working with him, and kibitzed back and forth. He was also excited about resuming his painting, and was to do a portrait of my golden retriever. Cherish all the fond memories, he will always be close at heart!
My condolences to the family. I never had the opportunity to meet Peter, but am very good friends with his sister Mary. I think that it is safe to say that goodness and kindness, runs in the family. Whoever wrote the obituary, it was beautiful…again, I didn’t know him, but those words made me feel like I did. He is with his Francesca now, watching over all of you, until you meet again.
We send sincere condolonces to Peter’s family and friends. He helped manage our pubs and was always a good friend. Sleep in peace old friend, George Millar and Wilcil Mcdowell of the Irish Rovers.
thinking of you all today . So sad to lose a sibling , I can’t imagine the loss you feel. I really enjoyed reading the words you had written about him . Obviously a very talented person and his life has been so full. Doug and I send our condolences to all of you at this very difficult time.