Obituary of Peter Kleindienst

Peter Kleindienst 1948 - 2016 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Kleindienst, on Saturday, November 26, 2016, at the age of 68. After a short, but brave battle with cancer, he passed away peacefully at home with family by his side. Peter was born on April 7, 1948, in the small town of Gmund, Austria. He immigrated to Montreal, Quebec at age 9, where he joined his parents who had immigrated earlier to find work in Canada. In 1967, the family moved to Cranbrook where they established a new car dealership, Kimbrook Motors. Peter became an automotive mechanic and worked at the family business, eventually running it until his retirement in 1999. During those years Peter and his dad also ran Gold Creek Guide and Outfitters. Both businesses gave Peter the opportunity to meet many lifelong friends, many of whom he still visited over coffee while carrying on endless conversations. Peter met Nancy in 1972, and they married in March 1973. Together they raised 2 children, Evan and Niki. Peter shared his passion for big game hunting and fishing with his children and many happy hours were spent enjoying stories relating to their outdoor adventures. Peter loved to travel and left many happy memories for his family of winter trips to Mexico, New Zealand, Belize, Honduras, Dominican, Costa Rica, Antigua and several trips to Europe. After retirement he spent the summers camping with Nancy in Hope, ID, awaking early each day to go fishing on his boat, the "NanSea" on Lake Pend Oreille. Relaxation on the water brought him great joy. Every fall Peter looked forward to the annual pheasant and duck hunting trips to Saskatchewan and Montana with his special hunting buddies. Peter was a "people" person. He could strike up a conversation with complete strangers wherever he was, loved a good political debate, and really enjoyed bantering for a bargain. Peter's workshop was like a second home, and the woodstove was always burning. His generous spirit soared here. He spent many winter hours building things for family and friends from birdhouses to welding projects and his own inventions. He could fix anything and always went above and beyond to help family and friends if something needed to be repaired, or a favor was asked. He worked tirelessly to keep the family farm in shape for many celebrations and parties, where extended family and friends were always met with Peter's big smile. Most recently, Peter was blessed with 3 grandchildren, Charlotte, Hanna and Ryan, who were frequent visitors to Grandpa's workshop. He patiently shared his expertise and loved their chatter. They rode tractors and helped him with chores. His knee was a comfy place for a Grandpa hug! He will be greatly missed by his wife Nancy of 43 years, son Evan (Michelle) and granddaughter Hanna, grandson Ryan of Cranbrook, daughter Niki (Dallas) Walkey and granddaughter Charlotte of Cranbrook. He was predeceased by his parents Frank and Lotte Kleindienst. We invite friends and family to share memories of Peter, on Saturday, January 21, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at the Cranbrook Golf Course. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the family can be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com