Peter Buller

It is with sadness that the family of Peter John Buller announces his passing on January 7th, 2021 at the age of 86.

Peter was born on the family farm in the RM of Mossey River on Sept 19, 1934.  He had four older siblings; Annie (who died of leukemia when she was 16), John, Elizabeth, and Henry.  His father passed away of diphtheria when Peter was 8 years old and the three sons carried on farming with their mother.

Peter lived his first 75 years on the family farm, taking it over after his brothers moved on in their own enterprises.  On July 8th, 1976 Peter married Susanna Mary Klippenstein.  He was faithfully involved in the Nordheim Mennonite Church.  His commitment went beyond regular Sunday attendance, taking opportunities to serve on committees and to do maintenance work at the church run summer camp. His commitment to church also went beyond duty.  His quiet faith was evident in his life, as he regularly spent time reading his Bible and considering its words.

The way the family best remembers knowing that Peter loved them was by the things he would do for them.  Jonathan remembers the weight bench that Peter made for him, and Peter’s customization of the tractor cab to include an extra seat so either he or Sara could ride along with Dad on the days he was working in the field.  Sara remembers the homemade toy kitchen set Dad built for her over a series of Christmases.  Peter may have only officially had a grade 8 education, but he made the most of it by helping Jonathan and Sara on many science projects over the years.  It seemed he always had time to play catch or shoot a puck with the kids after work, even though he must have been quite tired by the end of the day.  His family never doubted they were loved and valued by him.

Independence and self-sufficiency also characterized Peter.  He took the slow farming season during the winters to build his own farm equipment solutions.  He built snowblowers, a grain cart, and reconditioned loaders to fit with upgraded tractors to save the cost of buying new equipment.  He was meticulous with detail and valued order and structure.  He worked purposefully to keep the equipment well maintained and the yard neat and orderly to be able to work most efficiently when moving equipment around the yard.

His attention to detail and creativity lent itself to the glass etching hobby he took up in his retirement.  What started as some primitive outlines etched roughly on small panes of glass evolved into intricately detailed three dimensional images of cars and tractors to a vast threshing scene where Peter spent hundreds of hours on several prototypes before he got the image as close as he could get to what he imagined it to look like.  He was the harshest critic of his own work. 

While his children remember his reluctance in their early childhood to have more than one pet around the yard, his deep love of animals was exposed when they convinced him to take in a stray cat which turned into 3 more cats.  He seemed to have an arm’s length relationship with all the pets, and while they were initially not allowed indoors, they were later found enjoying a nap on his chest as he took his afternoon nap.  The dogs Buddy and Bear were his close companions on the farm, and he often took time to sit with and pet the dogs, especially after the kids had moved off the farm.

Two primary things that brought Peter joy in his life in later years as mobility and independence became more limited, were his longstanding satisfaction in a good joke, and his grandchildren. His sense of humor stayed with him even to the end, when it was hard to understand his words, you could tell by the twinkle in his eye that he had just told a joke.  His grandchildren knew that he loved them by his engagement when they came to see him.  He took particular joy in hearing Elizabeth play the violin that he bought her for Christmas, and recordings of her songs were played for him as he neared the end of his life.

Peter is survived by his wife of 44 years Susanna (Klippenstein), son Jonathan (Kristina Janzen), daughter Sara (Andrew Wiens), grandchildren Elizabeth, Simon, Ezra, Isaiah, Brother-in-Law Sam Klippenstein, sisters-in-Law Elsie Buller, Jan Peters, Ruth Klippenstein (John Enns) and many nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his father John Buller, mother Elizabeth (Peters), sister Annie, twin infant daughters Faith and Hope, brother John (Betty Borne), sister Elizabeth Buller, brother Henry (Elsie Janzen). Brothers in law, David Klippenstein (Jan), and Tim Klippenstein (Ruth).

The family is incredibly thankful for the compassion and care that Peter received at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre following his stroke and then during his extended stay at the Winnipegosis and District Health Centre.  You demonstrated love and grace as you walked alongside of him during his last few months.  And thank you also to the local cats that hung around the hospital, many of whom were happy to have the attention that he was eager to give them when he was able to enjoy the hospital patio during the nice weather.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank 400-393 Portage Ave #400, Winnipeg, MB R3B 3H6, should friends so desire.