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
Barry Mayer
Glenn Walters
Thank you to Peter's family for encouraging him lead and support the Submarine Association of Canada for so many years.
Dolphin Code 38 - Diesel Boats Forever
Yours aye, Glenn
Jake Alleb
The show will not be the same without you Peter "Hollywood Hepp". RIP buddy
Jim Brannen
It was a good run Peter. Time to rest on your oars....and remember it's your round when we meet again.
Catch you later Wings !
Christian Courchesne
Rest In Peace my friend.
I always looked forward to our next golf game and or dart session for the simple reason that you were such a terrific human being to be around with.
Peter, i will miss your easy going demeanor and smily face.
My sincere condolences to Nancy and family.
Timothy Kramble
It’s been a good ride, and when it was a low spot, your sharp wit and contagious humour made it tolerable. Thinking of your many antics puts a smile on my face, you will always be remembered with fondness. My heart felt condolences to your family and friends.
Cas - John Daniel Cascadden
Peter was truly a brother to many of us who served with him on submarines. Gone too soon, but not forgotten. May Nancy and her family as well as Peter's close relations find some comfort and peace during this troubling time.
Ross and Carrie Raymond
Rest In Peace my friend. Nancy and family our thoughts are with you.
Gigi Pelletier
Peter was a wonderful mentor, the King of NAB, I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such a wonderful person. My deepest condolences to Nancy and the Family.
Patricia Cassidy and David Hortop
We're so sorry for your loss of Peter. Our sincere condolences. He was a good person and will certainly be missed.
Peter, I came to know you quite well during our time up here in the Submarine Section and we traded many stories from our earlier years including our Railway ones. I will especially miss your quick wit and humour which was infectious (in a Good way). You have left us far too soon. My deepest and sincerest condolences to Marianne and your family.