DEWYS: Peter Francis of RR#1 Varna
Posted By Haskett Funeral Homes On August 14, 2026 @ 3:17 PM In Exeter, Obituary | 54 Comments
Tragically, due to a house fire on Monday August 10, 2026, Peter DeWys passed away. The youngest of 8 children, Pete was born in Halvarenbeek, Holland on May 24, 1944, making him 82 years old at the time of his death. Pete was the dearly loved father of Lori & Brian Bearss, Brad & Christa DeWys and Kim & Brent Grainger and the fun, caring Grandpa of Bevan Bearss, Brenna Bearss, Brooke DeWys, Mark DeWys, Scott Grainger and Denise Grainger. Pete married in 1966 to Dianne (Faber) DeWys and divorced in 2005. He was a dear brother of John DeWys of New Zealand, Joe & Audrey DeWys, George & Sandra DeWys and John & Sharon DeWys, sister-in-law Corry DeWys and brother-in-law Henry Sterkenburg . Pete was predeceased by his parents George & Joanna DeWys, his sister Anne Eenkooren (2017), brother-in-law Duke Eenkooren (2018), sister Mary Sterkenburg (2020), brother Harry DeWys (2021), sister-in-law Rita DeWys (2025). He was uncle to many nieces and nephews in Ontario and New Zealand. Pete is remembered by his dear friend Sarah Robar and his good neighbours Jon & Annie Steenbeek and John Hoogenes.
Pete loved sports and gave his time to coaching baseball in Stanley township and Hockey in Hensall. He played oldtimer hockey and pitched in slo-pitch baseball games for many years, even after a severe truck accident in 1982 left him severely injured with lots of metal in his right leg. A lot of good times and friendships were developed at the arena and on the ball field. Pete enjoyed farming, always cropping his own land. He only recently hinted that in 2027, he would rent out his land. Pete was very mechanically inclined. Being a machinist for many years at Champion Road Graders (aka Dominion Roads) building transmissions and fixing farm equipment at home really put this talent to good use. In later years, Pete learned to become a card dealer and even worked at the Brantford Casino for a short time. Always making new and lasting friendships wherever he went, Pete has friends of all ages. Pete was always willing to help someone out, whether it be pulling them out of the ditch in a snowstorm, changing the oil in their vehicle, or being an extra tractor driver to move hay and straw bales.
Please join us for a celebration of Pete’s life on Sunday, August 23rd at the Kirkton Community Centre, 70497 Road 164, KIRKTON from 1 – 4 PM. This will be a casual event; a time to reminisce and share stories.
Donations in Pete’s memory would be appreciated and may be made to the Municipality of Bluewater volunteer fire departments listed below. The family wishes to thank all the volunteer firefighters from the 4 surrounding fire departments (Bayfield, Brucefield, Hensall and Zurich) for their dedication and hard work. Special thanks to the Coroner Kim Martin, a devoted and caring person.
Condolences for the family of “DEWYS: Peter Francis of RR#1 Varna”
I’m so sorry to the family for their loss, he will be sadly missed by a lot of people
Dear Lori and Brian, Bevan, Brenna. Our sincerest condolences on the tragic death of your Dad. Our prayers and hugs are with you at this time. Paul and Sue Robinson
Hugs and happy memories to the family and friends.
To Lori, family and friends.
Our condolences to all on the passing of Peter.
Our condolences to the family of Pete, sending thoughts and prayers
We are so sorry to hear of Peter passing. Thoughts and prayer to all your families.
Oh, so sorry for your loss. Condolences and Hugs to you all.
Lori, I am so sorry to hear about the tragic passing of your father. It is so difficult to lose a loved one, and I can only imagine that the shock and hurt are amplified when it is such a sudden and violent passing. I am hopeful that you, Brian, Bevan and Brenna and the rest of your family are able to come to acceptance and peace.
Dear Lori and family, We are so very sorry to learn of the loss of your Dad. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Richard and Sheila Macgregor
Lori, Brian and family, we are heartbroken for your loss. Please accept our sincerest condolences.
We are very sorry for the sudden death of your father, grandfather. Treasure what memories you have.
We were so very sorry to hear this sad news. Our deepest condolences to all affected by this tragic loss.
Lori & Brian, Brad & Christa, Kim & Brent, Pete’s cherished grandkids, & Dianne, we send our heartfelt condolences in the tragic loss of your Dad & Grampa. We had lots of good times back in the day at the farm. Pete was an encouraging & confidence building hockey coach to Matt & team going back a few. Cherish & find comfort in your best memories.
Dianne and each of your family and to Pete’s siblings
SIncere sympathy. So sad to hear this news. May the good memories help bring peace and comfort.
Praying for each of you
To All Pete*s Loved ones; We send our condolences. Sorry for your tragic loss of a loved one. Thinking of you all at this time and hope fond memories and happy times over the years help to comfort you.
We were saddened to here of Pete’s sudden and tragic passing. He was in the Varna area for many years and we remember him for the many things listed in his obituary. May he rest in peace.
Lori and Brian So sorry for your loss.
Our sincere condolences to all. Cherish the many wonderful memories.
We are so very sorry to hear this news. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this sad and tragic time. Rest in peace Pete
Hugs to all
Ernie & Dianne Ahrens & Family
Sorry for your loss. John and JoAnne Wiles
Sending my sincere condolences of the tragic loss of your Dad. Pete was a man full of knowledge. Talking & watching hockey he knew his stuff. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Many hugs.
Our deepest condolences to the Dewys family.
Peter Walden & Colleen Faulds Walden
Dear Lori and Brian and family of Peter. So sorry for this tragic loss to your family. Our condolences to you at this time of great sorrow.
Lori and Brian and family
We are sorry to hear that your Dad/Grandpa has passed away. Thinking of you in the days ahead.
Our condolences to your family during this sad time
Lori, Brian, Bevan, Brenna and the DeWys family:
Our condolences on the sudden tragic passing of your father and grandfather. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
May you have wonderful memories of him to help you cope in this loss.
Larry and Faye Skinner
Deepest Sympathy to the Dewys Families!
Dear Lori and Brian, Brad and christa, Kim and Brent and families:
I’m so sorry to hear of this tragedy. It is a sudden and shocking loss, and my wish for you all is thst you are surrounded by live and support at this time.
Keeping you in our thoughts& prayers lori& family
To Brad and family.Sorry to hear about your loss of your Dad.
So sorry for this tragic loss, Lori, Brad and Kim and families!
Dianne
Lori, Brian and family, heartfelt condolences on your loss of your Dad. Cherish your wonderful memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
To All of Pete’s Family
We where sorry to hear of the tragic passing of Pete!
Many fun memories back in Baseball days when Greg & Pete played together. Also 1st time we had ever saw a Potato Gun!!
Thinking of You All
So very sorry for your loss – my dad is Gary Potter and he really enjoyed his friendship with Pete, watching baseball games with him, going to auctions and hitting the casino, etc. He was devastated to lose his friend this way… Pete will be very missed.
Lori, Brian, Bevan & Breanna:
We were so very sorry to hear of your father, grandfathers tragic passing. Keeping your family in our
thoughts and prayers.
To all the DeWys family! So sorry to hear of this tragic loss of your Dad and Grandpa. Thinking if you all at this difficult time.
Lori , Brian & family
We were so sorry to hear of your father, grandfathers tragic passing. Keeping your family in our
thoughts and prayers.
Barry & Melonie Miller
Brad, Kim, Lori and families,
We were very sorry to hear of Pete’s sudden passing. I have many memories of him from years ago and am thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Sending our sincere condolences.
I was saddened to hear of Pete’s passing. Please know you have our deepest condolences during your time of sorrow.
Dear Lori, Brian & Family,
Our condolence to the Family!
Kevin, Angie Currah & Girls
Please accept my sincere condolences in the loss of Pete. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Ann Maxwell
To Lori Brad Kim and Dianne
My deepest Condolences with the sudden passing of your DAD.
May he rest in Peace.
Corry and Carla DeWys
Please accept my deepest and sincerest condolences. Had the pleasure of spending some time with Pete and was a dear friend I loved dearly. We met at the Casino and dealt cards and laughs together. He will be forever missed.
Bobby Binning
To Brad and family
Our condolences in the loss of your dad and grandpa.
Sincerely,
Catherine and Ben
Brad, Kim and Lori – Just want you to know you are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sincere Sympathy
Our Condolences to your family. Jim and Norma Grainger
Hi, Todd and I are sending our deepest condolences to the Dewys family. We are sorry we wont’ be able to attend the celebration of life with you. Know you are in our thoughts.
Take care,
Todd and Laurie Noakes
Our sympathy to the DeWys family on your loss
Our condolences to your family.
Peter was a good work mate at Champion, and a great hockey coach for Aaron.
Lori, Brad, Kim & families
Sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Rod & Tammy
Kim, Brent and family. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the many memories you shared together. Thinking of you and your family during this incredibly difficult time and sending you love, strength, and heartfelt condolences.
Thinking of you all as you mourn the loss of your beloved dad and grandpa.
Sending love,
Nuno, Serena & family
We are so sorry for your loss.
I enjoyed your photos including the ones from Champion and around the farm.
Thinking of you in this difficult time.
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Lori & family
Thinking of you and the sad loss of such a special person in your lives. Our condolences on your loss.
Carol & Don Rauser