Petrus Gerardus deGroot

Petrus (Pete) Gerardus deGroot, 88, died at home on October 3rd, 2026 surrounded by his family. Pete was born in Amsterdam, the Netherlands and travelled with his parents and eight brothers and sisters to Canada in July 1951. They eventually settled in Powell River, BC where he worked for MacMillan Bloedel.

He moved to Vancouver, met and married Diane in 1967. He is survived by sons, Darren and Leigh and grandchildren, Taegan and Kalista. Survived by brothers Bill, John, Adrian and Ted as well as sisters, Mary and Nancy.

Pete was a minor shareholder in Western Rubber Products Ltd, which started tire recycling in BC. The first five years were difficult but it later became successful.

He was an involved member of St Andrew’s United Church in Port Moody which later became Inlet United Church, serving on the Board for many years and helping out where needed.

In later years, he shared his beautiful woodworking talent with family, friends and sold some for the church at fundraisers.

He loved being with family and friends. We were able to travel to every continent, except Antarctica and enjoyed visiting cities mostly by cruising. One of the best cruises was a European River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam with friends and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 14 at Inlet United Church, 2315 Spring Street, Port Moody, BC at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Inlet United or the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.