Peter Oscar Leutschaft
August 26, 1955 to September 22, 2025
Peter was born to Oscar and Renate (Reni) Leutschaft at Dryden Hospital. His first years were spent on the Colenso Lumber yard with Uncle Alfred, Aunty Erika and all the Penners who were a big part of his life. In 1960, the family moved to their house in Quibell, built by his dad. Peter and his siblings, Sharon, Harold, Ben and Curt enjoyed outdoor life there.
At the age of 22, Peter married Susan Lavoie in 1977. They built a house up the road from his childhood home where they lived for 48 years. They raised three children, Steven, Autumn and Kelly. Peter had a big hand in raising his precious grandchildren, Hailey and Hunter. He was well loved by his many nieces and nephews and showed an avid interest in all their lives.
In the later 60s, commercial fishermen shipped fish from Eagle Lake and sent it out in wooden boxes. Peter’s first job was making those boxes at Colenso. He always loved wood. At 16 he began full time work at Colenso where he found his way to the filing room. He stayed there until the move to the mill in Dryden. He retired from there after 37 years in the industry.
Peter had many pastimes and hobbies. When not fishing or hunting, he could be found in his garage working on something mechanical or on woodcrafts intended for someone special. This hobby developed into a small business. He made most of his furniture. He also loved reading, canoeing and camping. Thursday nights were dedicated to Awana children’s club, and he took a particular interest in helping with the Grand Prix.
In retirement Peter could be found with Susan, in his favourite fishing hole, Eye Lake. He caught many meals for supper. Daily you could catch him power saw in hand, cutting firewood for multiple homes. During Covid, he spent a lot of hours sitting with Hunter while Hunter did his schoolwork. Peter enjoyed bouncing on the trampoline with the grandkids for hours, even after losing his legs. No matter what life threw at him, Peter would always find a silver lining.
There was no limit to the love he had for God and his family, including extended family. His kids were his life and his grandkids meant everything to him. Peter is survived by his dedicated, loving wife, Susan; his children, Steven (Brandi), Autumn (John) and Kelly; his parents, Oscar and Reni; his siblings, Sharon (Randy), Harold (Patti), Ben (Susie) and Curt (Caren); his in-laws, Patti (Harold), Richard (Debbie), Chris (Lottie), Maria (John) and Renee; grandchildren, Hailey and Hunter; many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews. Peter was predeceased by his in-laws, Rene and Joyce Lavoie.
We take comfort in knowing that Peter is in heaven. “The roll is called up yonder. He is there!”
A Celebration of Life will take place on Monday, September 29, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Upper Falls Church, Red Lake Road with Pastor John Snyder officiating.
Interment will follow in the Quibell Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the DRHC Physio Department, P.O. Box 3003, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z6 or through Aurora Funeral Services.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.aurorafuneralservcies.ca
