Obituary of Peter James Bender

It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Peter James Bender on May 23, 2018 at the age of 48 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Kitchener.

Peter will be deeply missed by his father Doug (Donna) Bender, his brother John (Heather) Bender, his sister Katy (Doug) Hogg, and his daughter, Lisa Nightingale.  He will also be sincerely missed by his nephews and nieces: Ethan (April) and Avryl Bender, Jesse, Cody and Danielle Hogg, and great nephew, Cohen Bender. He is predeceased by his mother, Mary Elizabeth Ermel Bender Green.

Peter was born on November 2, 1970.  He attended John Diefenbaker High School where he nurtured his enthusiasm for cars.  Peter lived for a period of his life in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoyed racing, country music and building his truck.

Peter suffered a serious brain injury from an automobile accident in his early twenties, which altered his life considerably. For the first few years after his injury, his mother cared for him in her home with the support of many in the Wingham community. After her passing, Peter’s friends and caregivers at Traverse Independence on Tagge Street and the members of Christ Lutheran Church in Kitchener became an integral part of his extended family. Peter was blessed to have a special relationship with his Godparents: Stan and Marg Iutzi.

Peter’s infectious laughter, sense of humour and good nature will be missed by his friends, family, and faith community.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Peter with his family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo on Sunday, May 27, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. as well as Monday, May 28 from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Monday, May 28, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Reception to follow in the funeral home’s Fireside Reception room. A private family internment will take place at a later date.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Ontario Brain Injury Association or the Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, Waterloo may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo at www.erbgood.com or 519-745-8445.