Obituary of Allen Peto

PETO: Allen Edward Peto October 3rd, 1951 – November 5th, 2016 Allen Edward Peto, age 65, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, November 5, 2016 in Brandon, Manitoba. He is survived by his beloved wife Karen; children: Sarah (Trevor Wowk); Nathan (Tyne Carmichael) and Alanna (Jonathan Schouten): grandchildren: Clark Goran, Trent Wowk, Noah & Henry Peto, and Audrey Schouten; sisters Sandra Casper and Elaine Hengstler (Al); brothers-in-law John Nesbitt (Jane McKay) and Keith Nesbitt (Bette-Jo) and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. Allen was predeceased by his mother and father, Lorne & Margaret Peto; his parents-in-law, Carl and Margaret Nesbitt; his brother-in-law, Howard Casper, and his nephew Lorne Casper. Allen was born in Altona, Manitoba on October 3rd, 1951 and grew up on the family farm in Emerson, Manitoba. Allen was active in 4H and excelled in speech competitions - a skill he retained throughout his life. As a young man, he went to live with his aunt and uncle as he attended his final years of high school and college in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There he enjoyed many adventures, such as racing speedboats, and made many friends. After graduating from Anoka Tech College with a diploma in Agri-business, he returned home to Emerson. Allen met the love of his life, Karen, in 1973 and they were married in 1975. Allen and Karen farmed for 20 years on the family farm in Emerson, Manitoba and raised their three children, Sarah, Nathan, and Alanna. In 1994, the family moved to Brandon, Manitoba where Allen worked in economic development for 20 years, and then moved on to operate his own businesses. Allen was a visionary man and an entrepreneur, always looking for new ideas. There was not much Allen could not do if he set his mind to it. He restored his prize possession, his 1951 Chevy Truck, which his father had given him for his 16th birthday, from the frame up. He was always thinking of improvements for the truck and was proud that five generations of Peto's had driven in it. Allen was incredibly proud of his three children who have become professionals in their fields and are active in their communities. More than anything, Allen loved being a grandfather to his grandchildren, who were the apple of his eye and he loved watching them learn and grow. Allen had a large extended family as well and greatly enjoyed the family gatherings and cousins' reunions that he was able to attend Allen and Karen were married for 41 years this week. They were a great match, and loved each other dearly. They enjoyed many adventures together; from running businesses, to building houses, and traveling the world together. In recent years they explored China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand and looked forward to many more wonderful experiences together. Allen was a good, kind and funny man, and always made people feel at ease. He was a great story-teller, with a wonderful sense of humour, and loved to keep people laughing and entertained. He will be missed. A Celebration of Allen's life will take place on Friday, November 11th at 2:00 p.m. at the Brockie Donovan Chapel, 332- 8th Street. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the YWCA Brandon, 148- 11th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 4J4; or Trinity United Church, 1515- 6th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6B3