Speaker
Remembering Rotarian Peter Levelton
Our club is deeply saddened by the passing of our long-time member and dear friend, Peter Levelton, last week. Peter’s connection to this community ran deep—his family’s nursery business began in 1947—and his quiet leadership, kindness, and unwavering good nature touched everyone who knew him.
Our President Elect reflected on Peter’s unmistakable presence: a soft-spoken gentleman who rarely raised his voice, yet when he did speak with firmness, everyone listened. His wisdom came from a lifetime of experience and humility, and he carried himself with a calm, steady warmth. Peter never let negativity take hold; he simply “went with the flow,” lifting the room with his gentle positivity.
Members shared heartfelt recollections of their time with Peter—stories of weekly phone calls during his presidency, where his graciousness and steadiness always shone through. Many of us felt privileged to know him not just as a Rotarian, but as a mentor and friend.
We also heard about Peter’s final days, where he received exceptional care at VGH—treated, as one member put it, “like royalty.” His family is deeply grateful for that compassion. They expressed a grief that is profound, but also shared moments of laughter, hugs, and storytelling that spoke to the joy Peter brought into their lives.
There will be a private viewing on Sunday, and a Celebration of Life is planned for January at a country club—fitting for someone who loved golf. Details will be shared when available. In true Rotary fashion, Melinda has delivered meals to the family on our behalf, and we continue to support them during this time.
Members also recalled special moments from Peter’s recent time with us—Halloween fun in John Newman’s Cadillac, his determination to attend Rotary even in difficult days, and his meaningful contribution to the Horse Therapy program. Through every memory, the same themes emerged: Peter was calm. He was kind. He was gentle. He was proud—especially of his grandchildren.
One small detail speaks volumes about Peter’s values: the only item of jewelry he wished to have with him was his Rotary pin which will be placed with his cremains.
Peter remains with us in spirit, and our club is better for having walked alongside him. We honour his legacy with gratitude, admiration, and affection.
SERGEANT At Arms Tidbits
Bobby reminded us that the Victor Ghirra Toy Drive was inspired by Victor’s quiet generosity and deep love for children and family. Before his passing, Victor—an insurance manager at Vancity—used his annual bonuses to fill his pickup truck with toys and personally deliver them to BC Children’s Hospital, never seeking recognition and always saying, “It’s all for the kids.” After Victor passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind his wife and four young sons, his friends and colleagues committed to carrying on his tradition. Now in its 19th year, the Toy Drive continues with the same dedicated group of supporters and partners, collecting and distributing toys to organizations including BC Children’s Hospital, Canuck Place, the Richmond Christmas Fund, Surrey community groups, and even international recipients. This year’s Toy Mountain takes place Sunday from 12–2 p.m., inviting the community to celebrate the season with Santa, snacks, and the true spirit of giving—keeping Victor’s legacy very much alive.
Susan
Susan confessed that her best “Christmas” memories actually involve dinosaurs. As a kid driving from Ontario to BC, her family always stopped at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, and she loved it so much she later took Ryan back to camp there too. So naturally, she brought dinosaur-themed gifts—because nothing says Christmas like a T-rex.
Pat
Pat brought books, because books are always a win—especially with grandkids. She loves reading to them, and she noted that Bluey is the current superstar among little kids. Her bag of books was thoroughly inspected and approved.
Debbie S.
Fresh back from Mexico and having completely forgotten about the Toy Drive, Debbie S. opted for the universal modern child-pleaser: cash. She says that’s all her own kids ever want anyway.
John
John’s grandkids are puzzle fans, so he brought a pair of Ravensburger Minecraft puzzles and some books. He also shared that his parents once gifted him all six volumes of Churchill’s WWII history when he was twelve—it took him four years to finish them, but he now appreciates the ambition behind that gift.
Brian
Brian recalled childhood candlelit games nights—later realizing the lights were off because the power bill couldn’t be paid. Still, they were magical. As an adult, big family board-game traditions continued, especially post-Christmas pajama-and-leftover days. His chosen gift: Catan, his all-time family favourite.
Garth
After being reminded last-minute about the gift exchange, Garth raided the cupboard and grabbed some of his grandson Lucas’s Christmas items—like Lego, since Lucas completes complex sets in record time. Quick, efficient, done.
Melinda
Melinda joked that no one should be surprised she and John love fast cars. Her gift was Formula 1 racing cars—plus a nod to Peter, who also loved fishing, a fishing rod.
Sandra
Sandra spoke for both herself and Brian: their gift is the Mario Kart game. Her own favourite childhood game was Clue, and today she also brought World Cup T-shirts—because some kid out there is going to be thrilled to cheer on their team.
Larry
Larry said he skipped memories this year because he’s been dealing with major stress at work and the loss of several people close to him. Shopping became accidental therapy, leading him to buy women’s pajamas (after a very difficult hunt), a remote-control car, and a pickleball-themed toy—because it’s never too early for pickleball.
Maryam
As a kid Maryam loved making friendship bracelets—not balloons, definitely not balloons. Knots and beads were her thing, and her own students still request bead kits every year. Her gift celebrates that timeless craft.
Jeanette
Jeanette loves dolls, and lucked out when her mum left behind some gifts due to overweight luggage. She talked about her childhood in the Philippines—making pretend pottery out of mud, playing outdoors, and her early love of toy vehicles. Her gift reflects those memories.
Lawrence
Lawrence started a new family tradition last year: taking his kids shopping for toys to donate. They choose something they would love so another child can enjoy it. His contribution continues that meaningful ritual.
Elena
Growing up with no electricity and no access to store-bought toys, Elena fell in love with music instead—she played her brothers’ instruments and eventually formed an all-girl band in high school. Her gift celebrates that musical joy.
Dalbir
Dalbir reminded us of Dick Wagner, growing up in a tiny Saskatchewan home with nine kids and very few toys—one reason he’s supported the Toy Drive for years. He keeps it simple and meaningful: he brings a cheque.
Marg
Marg admitted she normally invents childhood stories, but this year she shared something real: watching her friends’ grandkids go wild for noisy trucks after Sunday dinners. She brought toy trucks—bells and whistles included.
Kal
Kal bought a toy farm tractor in honour of Peter. He shared stories of recently visiting with friends who knew Peter well, planning to see him, and then receiving the news of his passing. His gift comes with deep affection and memory.
Judy
Judy shared memories of Peter too, including how his sister Jane used to babysit Ralph. Her favourite childhood gifts were always the girly things her dad bought her. For today, she brought a noisy, light-up “sphere” toy—perfect for her truck-loving youngest grandchild and equally exciting for the Toy Drive.
Debbie M.
Debbie M. is donating two bikes, in honour of her own first bike story. She also brought a Lego set and a Mirabel doll from Encanto, inspired by Peter’s deep love for his granddaughter and by her own granddaughter’s favourite things.
Chris P.
Chris joked that nobody buys weed anymore because everyone grows their own—but as a kid she really just wanted a camera, which she never had access to because there was nowhere to develop film. So he bought two instant-print kids’ cameras (plus extra paper). Maryam confirmed that these are extremely trendy with kids—and teachers—right now.
Gordon
Gordon brought an ocean-themed colouring and species-identification book—very fitting for our coastal life—and a child-friendly forensic “spy lab” kit. A little science, a little detective work, and lots of fun.
Donno
With a grandson obsessed with Lego, Donno chose a versatile multi-build Lego set that lets the recipient create several different things from one kit. Variety guaranteed, imagination encouraged.
Meneither
Meneither admitted she stole (temporarily!) the gifts intended for her nine- and eleven-year-olds: a “Juicy Coochie Glitz & Glam” charm bracelet kit that can make thousands of bracelets. She says she wants one herself.
Chris M.
Chris M. brought a lava lamp—because her memories of lava lamps inside a psychedelic VW van in the late ’60s are iconic. No van included, and none of the “additional experiences,” but lots of retro magic for some lucky child.
Joyce
Joyce contributed professional-style walkie-talkies, with the warning that kids love using them to launch “military operations” against unsuspecting adults. And yes—she plans to hand them out right before she leaves.
Michael
Michael shared a heartfelt memory of his family immigrating in 1974 but as the youngest, and born in Canada, of four boys in a very poor family. His favourite memory is his mom saving up change so she could buy him an ice cream whenever the truck came by while his older brothers were at school. Her small kindness meant the world to him—and yes, he kept the popsicle sticks as proof for his siblings.
