RODSETH, Hans Peter
January 15, 1949 -- December 8, 2014
Peter passed away comfortably in the Palliative Care Unit of the Vancouver General Hospital in the early afternoon of December 8, 2014. He was born in Prince Rupert on January 15, 1949 and grew up in Victoria, but for most of his life Vanderhoof, “the geographical center of BC”, was where his life was centered.
Peter’s career revolved around the fields of Forestry. He was a Forestry Technician, a contractor building recreational trails and an employee at Plateau Mills. His art was born of species of wood of all types.
Peter was a giving man, a compassionate man who was forever charmed by and dedicated to the vitality of his beloved Nechako River. Canoeing was his ultimate recreation. He was a solid friend to so many in need -- a throw back to “the shirt off his back” age. He was passionate about his immediate environment and his hands for its health are printed all over the Vanderhoof area. He was also deeply devoted to the cause of a healthy world environment and would collar any and all who would listen to this cause. His legacy was in the woods. After working in Forestry he became a master carver and a creative builder of trails. His ultimate delight was to give song to wood with chisel, knife and lathe or to make a person want to sing hiking down one of a multitude of his carefully crafted paths. Vanderhoof’s Access Centre holds his ultimate poem to life, a tour de force mural in wood.
Peter is survived by his “sis”, Joyce Rodseth and brother-in-law, Russ Sparks of Texada Island and his brother, Larry Sutherland from Calgary. As well, he leaves behind many relatives in Norway, Holland and Australia. A service to
celebrate his life will be held in the new year.