Peter James Bowyer
Feb 28th 1955 — Sep 8th 2023 (68 years)
Biography
On September 8, 2023, surrounded by his loving family, Peter James Bowyer slipped from this life into the arms of His Lord and Saviour for eternity. Peter was born in Toronto, February 28, 1955, to Sidney Wesley Bowyer and Ellen Grace Bowyer (Burleigh). Although Peter was born in Toronto, the majority of his life was spent in Halifax where he and the love of his life (for 42 years), Debbie (Mills), raised their children Christian and Faith, served their community, and enjoyed their careers. Pete (as his friends called him) was not only a larger-than-life kind-of-guy in his flamboyant Hawaiian shirts, his fun-loving joking and teasing, his quick wit and “punny” humour, he was also a man of integrity, conviction of values, love of science and deep, genuine faith. Pete looked at life as a teaching opportunity, whether it was at home, at work, or in his community. His personal mission statement, was one he truly lived. He would say of himself: I am a pioneer servant who builds community through my skilled gift of teaching. Peter worked for Environment Canada as meteorologist for 30 years as a forecaster and in the later years as the Canadian Hurricane Centre Program Manager becoming the voice of explanation, warning, and calm for Atlantic Canadians. He was often approached by strangers who would say hello because they recognized him from his face on the news. He often tells the story of doing dozens of radio interviews from his living room during Hurricane Juan when roads were impassable. To the community, he was the hurricane guy, but in the family, we affectionately called him “The Chief of Big Wind!” Peter was also Canada’s spokesperson on issues related to tropical cyclones. He delivered teaching and training through the CHC at all levels, and wrote several books and scientific journals. Peter was awarded the 2004 Canadian Meteorological and Oceanographic Society’s Andrew Thompson Prize in Applied Meteorology. Many such accomplishments would be the epitome of career success, but for Peter, success wasn’t the goal; it was the relationships he fostered with colleagues who became and remained friends until the end of his life. While his professional career was filled with happy moments, what he was most passionate about, was his love for Jesus. This was made evident by his dedicated service to his local church community, Halifax Christian Church, serving as teacher, elder, and pastor for more than 40 years. Pete’s heart, service, and teaching for the work of God expanded beyond the walls of HCC to sister-churches in the Maritimes as well as parachurch organizations. Peter’s passions were evident in his volunteer work in parachurch organizations: The Gideons (distribution of the Word of God), Partners in Atlantic Canada Evangelism (church-planting), Maritime Christian College (teaching and training others how to follow Jesus and serve and lead in the church), Graceland Ministries (sharing the love of Christ overseas), Maritime Christian Fellowship (gathering to worship as a unified body of Christ), and the K.T. Norris Lectures (teaching God’s Word). Pete was always willing to help, share, and give to those in need whether it was a listening ear, an offer of advice, helping someone move, or hosting people for a meal. A flip through the photos on his phone show what mattered to him most: his family. Whether a picnic with his favourite person in the world, Debbie, or a family games night, every picture tells a story and memory of precious family moments. His personal pride and joy, were his children Christian William Alexander and Faith Alexandra. He was proud of them – period. He was proud of their career choices. He was very proud of their spousal choices and loved both daughter-in-law, Ashley (Swain), and son-in-law, Justin Clark, as his own children. The recent additions of the little people in his life brought sheer joy as he would share pictures and tell stories of his much-adored grandchildren Knox (3) and Ellie (1). Peter was predeceased by siblings Sidney Stewart, Karen Ann (Trenholm), Lynda Marie (formerly Daniel Murray) and cousin Chuck Caswell who was more a brother than a cousin. As well as his immediate family, Peter will be greatly missed by sister Jaynellen, the brother he never really knew, Barry Hebden and all of his dear nieces and nephews. His loss will also be felt by these men with whom Pete served and considered more than spiritual brothers: Greg Nicholson, James Stevenson, Bruce Stewart, Roland Evborokhai and Armando Cavero. The Halifax Christian Church family, who loved Pete deeply and whom he loved equally, will feel this void for some time to come! His legacy lives on in all of us. Celebration of Life: Sunday, September 17th at 3pm at Halifax Christian Church 51 Farnham Gate Road, Halifax, NS The service will be live-streamed on HCC’s YouTube channel IMPORTANT: Peter has requested that this be a celebration so please dress in colour - Peter loved Hawaiian shirts!!!! Send us YOUR favourite story about Peter either in video (2 minutes maximum please) or by email to debspace1@gmail.com to share at the Celebration of Life. Donations: In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Halifax Christian Church-building fund. Send an Interac e-transfer to: giving@halifaxchristianchurch.ca and note, In Memory of Peter Bowyer for other donation methods, go to: https://halifaxchristianchurch.ca/give
Notes of Condolences about Peter James
Dorota Hosemann
5 days ago
I remember how Peter explained the first chapter of Genesis, the story about Creation.
His teaching was so good! It was interesting and based on scientific facts. I so enjoyed it!
It makes me understand that the Bible and the Science are actually telling the same story but in different languages. Peter was the one who could anderstand both languages und translated the science into biblical language...
I will never forget this teaching.
Betty Anne O'Connell
8 days ago
My Memories of Peter & Debbie
We're when the HCC was in the early beginnings and l was so Blessed by their Love of the Lord
And lmpressed by the outpouring of love, Compassion through which the love of the Lord Blessed and Enriched anyone that he met..The lasting Memory.l will Forever Remember was his lntrgrity And Love of Our Lord Jesus Christ. A man who l was Blessed to know and will Always Be Fondly Remembered.Sending Hearrtfelt Condolencrs to His Family and Friends
Graeme Black
8 days ago
I met Peter in the mid 90's at some workshop in Halifax. Through the years I would run into him at conferences, The last one was in Florida where he presented on Hurricane Juan. The lecture hall was packed with people plugging up the aisle's. He was sensational! My last visit with Peter was in 2018 when I relocated back to Nova Scotia. We met for a beer and talked of his career as a work/life advisor.
I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed.
Claire Martin
8 days ago
Peter and I first met at a hurricane conference in the States.. he was larger than life, fun and had the best laugh. He guided me at that conference through the meteorological nuances associated with tropical systems in Canadian waters, and later, took the time to answer my vaguely panicked calls while covering Katrina and Wilma. He was gracious with his time, patient with my questions and someone I was honoured to call more-than-a-colleague. RIP Peter.
Keith Porter
9 days ago
I taught both Christian and Faith at Millwood Elementary. A wonderful family. Peter also came to my Grade 5 classroom to do a presentation on weather. A wonderful man!
Alan Webb
9 days ago
My years at Halifax Christian Church were enriched by Peter's presence, discussions and his devotion to Jesus and HCC. Pete and I worked on many tasks related to Church Finance. Pete had ability to discuss, listen and respond with respect. Pete could disagree, but avoid being disagreeable. He appreciated second opinions. I am sorry for his passing, he will be missed. My condolences to Debbie and Family, so sorry for your loss.
Shawn Sullivan
9 days ago
I had the great pleasure of working with Pete for many years at Environment Canada. I will always remember the morning after hurricane Juan when I arrived at the weather office, at that time it was on the 19th floor of Queen Square, to find Pete and the rest of the crew diligently working away while all around them was chaos and destruction. I was dreading having to tell Pete that they would have to shut down operations and go home because the building wasn't safe to occupy (I was responsible for facilities and Pete was the shift supervisor responsible for the weather office). But in true Pete Bowyer fashion, he calmly set about doing what needed to be done in a time of great uncertainty and confusion, and got it done.
We often meet people in our lives and attach an adjective to how we see them, funny, insightful, intelligent, etc.. Pete was one of those rare souls who couldn't be so easily defined, there are too many adjectives needed to properly describe Pete, it is easier just to say he was a rare example of a truly wonderful, genuine human being. The thing I will always remember about Pete is he was a person of great scientific curiosity, as well as boundless spiritual faith, a rare combination in this day and age. Thank you Pete for your time, patience, wisdom and friendship.
Andria Lomas
9 days ago
Peter was a huge influence to all of us, what he called “HCC Youngin’s”. He led our young adult life group, welcomed us into his home, shared laughs with us, trained us, mentored us, and helped us grow. His intentional ministry towards us, and pushing us to potentials he saw in us led us to making some of our closest friends we have today. He wasn’t afraid to share the truth. We all share memories of and teachings from Him. His wisdom and knowledge was beyond, God used him to touch so many. Peter was always a part of my life at HCC and I always knew I could go to him for advice, a laugh, theology, prayer, someone to talk to, or a hug. I am 100% sure of where he is right now. A faithful man of Christ that will be greatly missed by his church family and so many others.
James Stevenson
9 days ago
Peter played such a major role in my life over the past fourteen years and he is a major reason I am where I am today. I count myself to be very fortunate to have been taught, trained, mentored, and encouraged by Peter for all those years. I will miss his wisdom and laughing together in both formal and informal gatherings. I will always cherish our long chats over coffee or burgers. It is hard to imagine Halifax Christian Church without Peter but I know that his influence and leadership will be felt for years to come through those he poured his faith, time, energy and knowledge into.
Gail Gortmaker
9 days ago
From Peter’s infectious laugh when we were kids, to his promise to “ hug the stuffing out of you” this summer…
From watching me crawl on the floor to get the perfect picture of Faith as an infant, to the generous, without-hesitation offer to drive me downtown after an impromptu visit with “Mrs. B”…
Peter’s integrity, his authenticity, and his deep love and generosity for all he knew… the world is a better place.
Tanya Baker
10 days ago
I will start by saying I'm sooo going to miss Peter's hugs. I'll definitely miss the man behind the hugs more . A man of wisdom, strength and pure love. He had a way of making things "make sense". I will forever remember him as he (and Deb)
played a pinnacle part of my faith and healing over the years. I'm so touched that Deb brought him to see me a few wks back. Somehow I knew that would be my last squeeze from him. I love you Peter Bowyer and your words and hugs will forever stay fresh in my heart and mind.
Beata Terka
10 days ago
He was the one who made me like Excel. I still remember his deep, but soft voice and encouraging smile, that could make one like almost anything Peter found interesting or important.
Seun & Tosin Omodayo
10 days ago
We met Elder Pete and Debbie in 2018 shortly after our family moved to Nova Scotia. Without any hesitation after meeting our family, Debbie and Pete invited our family for dinner. We felt so welcomed and had a wonderful time together.
Elder Pete was a great teacher who took time to explain God’s word. He would talk about weather events in the Bible and relate it to findings on his job as a meteorologist. He helped me understand disciple making and committed his time to developing study guides for our life group. He was a mentor and always looked out for our spiritual growth. He encouraged and prayed for us when we experienced the grief of a great loss in our lives. He had great passion for advancing the Kingdom of God in the world.
Elder Pete will greatly be missed by our family and the Church. We pray for God’s comfort for Debbie and the family.
Boyce Klückow
10 days ago
I met Peter in 2018, as an new immigrant and in him found the closest person to family when I had none, he encouraged me daily and made me part of a community. He helped me develop my faith in both humanity and God. And through some of the most difficult times of my life he taught me the meaning of discipleship. He was my mentor, friend, family, and ultimately an example of who and what a leader should be. He’s absence is a huge void.
Bill &Bev (Sunnyvale Campground)
10 days ago
Always an open door to his trailer with a warm welcome.
He and Debbie took pleasure in hosting the year end potluck and never seemed to be problem for them. Peter
told us every new season that he had the best site as he sat on his deck beside the lake enjoying the water birds and the beavers. It was a joy to have him and his family.
Sincere sympathy for his family. We know he will be missed.
Phil Chadwick
10 days ago
Peter was my assignment when he graduated from the Meteorological Training Program in Downsview. It was my pleasure to share the love of weather and learning with such a sincere, honest and passionate meteorologist full of integrity and a lust for learning. Shifts at the Bedford Maritimes Weather Centre were fun… life and work need to be positive and joyous. God Bless Peter👨🏻🎨
Nancy Riley (Wood)
10 days ago
Sympathy is extended to Debbie and family on the passing of a wonderful man who loved everyone. Peter loved his job, family and his Lord.
May you keep Peter's memory alive in all you do.
Chris Ewoh
10 days ago
I first encountered Peter in 2019 on the first Sunday my family and I visited HCC. His gracious welcome, open mind, and acceptance were unmatched. I admire his generosity of spirit. I had the honor of being in his class when he instructed one of the Life groups. He was a people person, and his absence will be felt deeply.
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