It is with deep love and sadness that we announce that Peter Van Moerkerken passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 5, 2026, at the age of 89.

Peter was one of a kind - wise, feisty, funny, deeply thoughtful, and wonderfully stubborn in all the ways that made him unmistakably himself. He had a strong moral and spiritual compass, a sharp wit, and a gift for friendship and conversation that left a lasting impression on the many people who knew and loved him.

Born and raised in Southern Rhodesia, Peter built a life grounded in resilience, integrity, and hard work. His own father died when he was just four years old, making his early years challenging ones as he moved between his grandmother’s home, the homes of aunts and uncles, boarding schools, and eventually back to his mother. These experiences left him with a deep love for family, a determination to provide a secure home, a fierce sense of independence, and an appreciation for doing things properly.

This tendency was lovingly referred to as “the PVM way” by his daughters, who could spot an unpolished tire, poor tiling, or a misaligned joint in a heartbeat thanks to his teachings.

Peter spent many years working for the Public Works Department in Rhodesia and, with his family and their future in mind, moved them to South Africa in 1982. He continued his career as a Property Manager with Old Mutual Properties in Johannesburg and later Durban before retiring to Howick in 1996. Even in retirement, he put his knowledge and standards to good use, maintaining the SDA Howick church buildings and managing a robust maintenance schedule for the body corporate of his complex.

Peter was a wonderful, steady, and kind father who married the joyful and beautiful ray of sunshine Maxine (Martha Elizabeth) Van Der Westhuizen in 1961. He proposed after just two weeks of dating, and together they built a loving and joyful home for their daughters, Colleen and Sharilyn. The loss of Maxine in 2011 was one he never quite recovered from, and Colleen and Sharilyn eventually applied all their powers of persuasion to convince him to move closer to them and his two grandchildren, Grant and Emma. They succeeded in 2019, when he moved to Portland, Oregon, to live with them.

Even in his later years, as his health declined, Peter remained unmistakably himself. Feisty to the end, he met concern about his health with his trademark question: “What is all the fuss about?” Beneath that humor was tremendous strength, dignity, and determination.

Caring for him during these last years was at times difficult, but even more deeply meaningful. His family is profoundly grateful for the love and support of Bobby and James, whose care and kindness meant so much. We are also incredibly thankful for Gentog Daycare - a place Peter genuinely loved. The staff there treated him with warmth, patience, humor, and affection, and this community became a true highlight in his life.

Peter’s faith was central to who he was and shaped the way he lived his life - with integrity, kindness, humility, and a strong sense of right and wrong. As Seventh-day Adventists, our family finds comfort in the promise that he now rests peacefully, awaiting the glorious day of resurrection when we will see our loved ones again.

Peter was predeceased by loved ones he missed dearly, including his brother John and sister-in-law Sheila. He leaves behind family who will carry his stories, humor, stubbornness, and love with them always. He is survived by his daughters, Colleen (Bobby) and Sharilyn (James); his grandchildren, Grant (Caprice) and Emma (Hayden); his sister Eileen (Mervyn) and their children, niece Melissa (Paul) and nephew Donald; Melissa’s daughter, Siobhan; John and Shiela's children niece Judy (Colin) and nephew Ian (Louise), extended family; and many close friends whose lives were made better by knowing him.

He will be remembered for his sparkling mischievous blue eyes, his intelligence, wit, standards, wisdom, loyalty, and the unique combination of tenderness and toughness that defined him. His absence leaves an enormous space in the lives of those who loved him.

We will miss him more than words can properly express.

Details regarding a celebration of Peter’s life will be shared soon.