Due to government-imposed restrictions related to COVID-19, attendance will be restricted to a limited number of individuals, personally invited by the family. You are welcome to attend the service through a livestream broadcast. Click on the above tab to register.
Peter Traves Heppleston, known as “Pete” to his siblings and “Hollywood Hepp” to his submarine buddies, was born on May 26, 1954 in Brockville, Ontario. On June 4, 2021, at the age of 67, God took Peter back to Himself while he was doing one of the things he loved best – riding his motorcycle.
Peter attended Brockville Collegiate Institute, and then worked as a brakeman for CNR, before beginning his career with the Canadian Navy in March 1976. He proudly wore his submariner’s “dolphins” for the rest of his life, and even after retirement from his military career in 1996,he continued to actively serve in the Submariners Association of Canada (Central Branch), including in the role of President for 4 years. After his military service, he worked as a defence contractor, and eventually joined the public service in the Department of National Defence for about 11 years until his retirement in 2018.
If you ask anyone who knew Peter, the first thing they would say about him is that his sense of humour was larger than life. Indeed, Peter had a true gift for making people laugh. He equally enjoyed spending quality time with those close to him, discussing things of the heart. He had a lifelong passion for motorcycle riding, and also enjoyed travelling, RV camping, and listening to 70s rock and roll and blues.
Peter was a faithful husband and devoted father and “Poppa”. He never felt he was too old to get down on his hands and knees, make goofy cartoon voices, and fire pillow torpedoes on stuffed animals posing as pirates. He was a natural life teacher. He transmitted his great sense of fun and his faith in Jesus to his daughter and grandson.
Peter will be dearly missed by so many. Most especially, he will be missed by his wife Nancy; daughter Marianne Botting (Michael); grandson Elias; brother John (April); three sisters Jacqueline VanSchaik (Tony), Rea Jansen (Terryl), and Adrienne Simkins (Larry); father-in-law Bill Savidant; two sisters-in-law Cindy Forbes (Peter) and Michele Arsenault; and many nieces and nephews, for many of whom “Uncle Pete” was their favourite uncle.
He is predeceased by his parents, Traves and Ruth; his sister Margaret (RJ); mother-in-law Noreen Savidant; and his brother-in-law Marc Arsenault.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in memory of Peter be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or to Wounded Warriors Canada.
I [Jesus] will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.
(John 14:18-19)
Digital Guestbook
mariette de wit
Bill Irvine
Fair winds and following seas Hollywood. The world will be a smaller place without you.
Geoffrey Mawdesley
My sincerest sympathies to all of Peter’s family. His humour and smile was one of his best gifts and will always be treasured.
Chris "Scribe" Dykman
First met Peter summer 1976, I on my Basic Submarine Course and he on his occupation training, albeit recruited for submarines. We were both living in the Single Quarters at the base in Halifax and I fondly remember multiple social functions listening to ELO & Harry Chapin, which always seemed to be spinning on someone's turntable.
We later sailed together in ONONDAGA for a few years, and on a port visit to St Thomas in the late 70s we SCUBA dived on Coki Beach and it's underwater observatory - one of my favourite diving memories.
My favourite memory of him - at sea, dived, in red lighting, he as the Second Panel Watchkeeper in the Control Room, wearing his Red Smoking Jacket - trumpeting like an elephant, which he called "HP Elelphant Bursts" (maybe you had to be there).
Peter, you were always a prince of a man - rest on your oars, we have the watch - rest in peace.
Bob Hall
To Nancy and Marianna, Please accept my deepest condolences. I am immensely saddened by his passing and will always cherish the memories I have of Pete. Bob
Richard Whelan (Boomer)
I sailed with Peter on the Okanagan, He was one of the friendliest persons I have ever met. He had a great sense of humor. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Jim Donovan
Rest in Peace Hollywood, sailing with you was one of the highlights of my time on submarines, you will be greatly missed.
Kerry Werry
RIP Hollywood I still retell some of your stories. We have the watch....
George Powerful
My deepest condolences to Nancy and Marianne. Peter was a prince of a man that always kept us in stitches. Fair winds and following seas Peter and may you Rest In Peace my friend.
Gord Burns
Peter, a large void remains with your passing. Not withstanding the antics of our younger years, I especially remember our dart tournaments while listening to 70’s Blues, golf games that were very enjoyable walks in the park and laughing for 30 minutes twice a day, while commuting back and fourth to work. It’s been a true honour to call you my friend, you will be missed. -DBF- My thoughts and prayers are with Nancy and Marianne.
I'm so sorry for your loss....so sorry you are hurting....
I wish you happy memories!
I feel honored to have known Peter. He is a kind soul ❤