Obituary of Pete Ridler

Malcolm Ridler was born to Thomas and Lula Ridler on August 27, 1942, in Prince George, B.C. He was the 7th child out of 8 and his mother decided that she was naming her Malcolm as his father had named the previous boys Tom, Dick, and Harry. But from the start, he was always called Pete and didn't realize his name was Malcolm until he was 10 or so. Pete went to school in Prince George and Telkwa before finishing up in Terrace B.C. forming many long-lasting friendships over the years. In 1982 he was introduced to Wanda Williams by a mutual friend and he asked her out that first day but informed her that he couldn't pick her up until 9. When she asked why so late, she was informed that that was when the hockey game was over. After their first date, Pete left for camp saying he would be back in a couple of weeks. She must have made quite the impression as the next day he phoned to say he quit his job because he wanted to see her again. And so it began. In 1983 their daughter Wendy was born. Wanda and Pete were married in 1985 and their son Peter came along in 1986. One of Pete's greatest joys was spending time with his kids. From the time they were little, he instilled his love of the outdoors with them. Many days were spent along a river fishing or in the bush hunting. Although Wendy often had to be bribed with treats or chicken cordon bleu at a certain restaurant to go. Pete spent most of his working years in the logging industry. From setting chokers to running log loaders. Over the years he worked for numerous companies in different places throughout B.C. From an early age, his love of hunting and fishing were a big part of his life. Many trips were taken over the years with his brothers and nephews. When a group of the Ridler boys got together the stories would flow getting embellished and never being told the same way twice' and there were always stories to be told. Pete always chuckled about when his nephews, Niles and Arron came one summer to visit. While out on a fishing trip, Arron had complained about bugs. His brother Niles hollered at her to just shut up and fish. For Pete truer words were never spoken. Pete and Wanda Moved to Willow Bunch in 2007. Pete met another group of like-minded fellows here spending time with them ice fishing, goose hunting in the spring and fall and hunting season of course. Pete was often with the boys, coming home with hare stories to tell. But nothing made him happier than when son Peter could come out to deer hunt with him. Wendy and her hubby George Struble gave them their first grandson Edward in 2008. Pete couldn't wait to start taking him fishing and hunting. Peter gave them three more grandchildren, Ava, Lily and Max. Two years ago Pete took up the hobby of forging where he spent many hours creating knives that he was very proud of with good reason as they were very well made. Pete wouldn't sell them preferring to give them to family and his two best buddies for keepsakes. He was always pleased when out in his shop with the wood stove going and one of the neighbors would pop in to see what he was up to that day. From making his bug guns for the grandsons to making his knives, each one had to be a little better and different than the last one. When Pete and Wanda found out in November that Pete had cancer, he only said "I have had a good life and have no regrets" Pete cherished his family and friends and was grateful to the end. Pete passed away on February 3rd, 2018, at the Assiniboia Union Hospital, Assiniboia, SK, with family by his side. Pete was a great guy, and he will be missed. Pete is survived by his loving family: wife Wanda (nee Williams) Ridler; daughter Wendy (George); grandson Edward; son Peter; grandchildren Ava, Lily, Max siblings Beatrice, Roy, Nita and Toni. Predeceased by his parents Thomas and Lula Ridler; brothers Thomas, Richard and Harry. The Funeral Service was held Friday, February 9, 2018, 2:00 p.m. at the St. Ignace Parish Willow Bunch, Saskatchewan. The officiant was Wendy Gibson. The eulogy was shared by Pat Gilbert. Lunch and fellowship followed in the Parish Hall. Online condolences can be shared at http://www.pichehawkinsgrondinfuneralchapels.ca/book-of-memories/3422248/Ridler-Pete/service-details.php