Tragically, due to a house fire on Monday August 10, 2026, Peter Francis Dewys passed away. The youngest of 8 children, Pete was born in Halvarenbeek, Holland on May 24, 1944, making him 82 years old at the time of his death. Pete was the dearly loved father of Lori & Brian Bearss, Brad & Christa DeWys and Kim & Brent Grainger and the fun, caring Grandpa of Bevan Bearss, Brenna Bearss, Brooke DeWys, Mark DeWys, Scott Grainger and Denise Grainger. Pete married in 1966 to Dianne (Faber) DeWys and divorced in 2005. He was a dear brother of John DeWys of New Zealand, Joe & Audrey DeWys, George & Sandra DeWys and John & Sharon DeWys, sister-in-law Corry DeWys and brother-in-law Henry Sterkenburg . Pete was predeceased by his parents George & Joanna DeWys, his sister Anne Eenkooren (2017), brother-in-law Duke Eenkooren (2018), sister Mary Sterkenburg (2020), brother Harry DeWys (2021), sister-in-law Rita DeWys (2025). He was uncle to many nieces and nephews in Ontario and New Zealand. Pete is remembered by his dear friend Sarah Robar and his good neighbours Jon & Annie Steenbeek and John Hoogenes.
Pete loved sports and gave his time to coaching baseball in Stanley township and Hockey in Hensall. He played oldtimer hockey and pitched in slo-pitch baseball games for many years, even after a severe truck accident in 1982 left him severely injured with lots of metal in his right leg. A lot of good times and friendships were developed at the arena and on the ball field. Pete enjoyed farming, always cropping his own land. He only recently hinted that in 2027, he would rent out his land. Pete was very mechanically inclined. Being a machinist for many years at Champion Road Graders (aka Dominion Roads) building transmissions and fixing farm equipment at home really put this talent to good use. In later years, Pete learned to become a card dealer and even worked at the Brantford Casino for a short time. Always making new and lasting friendships wherever he went, Pete has friends of all ages. Pete was always willing to help someone out, whether it be pulling them out of the ditch in a snowstorm, changing the oil in their vehicle, or being an extra tractor driver to move hay and straw bales.
Please join us for a celebration of Pete’s life on Sunday, August 23rd at the Kirkton Community Centre, 70497 Road 164, KIRKTON from 1 – 4 PM. This will be a casual event; a time to reminisce and share stories.
