Peter Warren Percival
Peter Percival was a man of intellect, curiosity, and deep devotion to his family. Born in Toronto in 1940, he attended Upper Canada College and spent his summers at Shanty Bay. However, his life truly took shape when he arrived in the Yukon at age 19. He found a home in the North and never wished to live anywhere else.
While studying at the University of Alaska Fairbanks – where he met his wife, Christel – Peter worked in the fire hall, sparking a lifelong interest in fire safety. He married Christel in 1967 and graduated as a mining engineer in 1969.
In summer of 1970, he and Christel moved to the Yukon where they built their family log home on Cowley Lake. It was here, close to the land, that Peter found his greatest contentment. While he was a moose hunter in his youth, Peter spent his later years walking the trails on his land and enjoying the scenery. He was also an avid gardener, finding joy in growing potatoes, eating fresh carrots, and picking snow peas for his grandchildren. Indoors, his mind was rarely idle; he was a dedicated student of World War II history and a formidable cribbage player, always ready with the dry wit and legendary humor that defined him.
Peter was a man who believed in hard work and was not afraid to take risks. While he dedicated much of his career to New Imperial Mines, Whitehorse Copper, and the Highways Division of YTG, his enterprising spirit led him down many other paths. He fished salmon commercially, started a berry harvesting business, and, as a natural builder and problem-solver, constructed many homes around the Yukon. Peter was equally committed to his community, serving on the Whitehorse Public Utilities Board, coaching soccer, and volunteering for years with the Mt. Lorne Volunteer Fire Department and Local Advisory Committee.
Peter is survived by Christel and their four children: Lara (James), Heather (Greg), Jeremiah (Adrienne), and Traverse. He was a proud grandfather to Matthew, Emma, Quinn, Asha, Raven, and Luna, and family visits were always a source of great joy.
Although he faced the challenges of Parkinson’s in his later years, Peter remained a central figure to those who knew him. The family is deeply grateful for the kindness shown by friends, neighbors, the Golden Age Society, and the many caring medical professionals in the community and at the Whitehorse General Hospital.
A celebration of life will be held at the Mt. Lorne Community Centre in July 2026. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Whitehorse Food Bank or Parkinson Canada.
