Memorable Manitobans: Peter Letkeman (1938-2020)

Educator, administrator.

Born on a farm near Haskett on 12 February 1938, he received BSc, MSc (1961), and PhD (1969) degrees in Chemistry from the University of Manitoba. He taught Chemistry at Vincent Massey High School (1961-1963) before moving to Brandon College (later Brandon University) where he joined the Department of Chemistry. He remained there until retirement in 2003, teaching Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry, including service as Department Chair (1972-1980) and Dean of Science (1982-1993). He retired after losing his eyesight in the late 1990s, at which time he was presented with the President's Medal for excellence in teaching, research, and service. He served on the Manitoba Research Council (1979-?) and was Chair of the Client Services Committee of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind. In retirement he worked as a financial advisor. In 1964, he married Mary Olfert and they had three sons. He was an active member of Grace Mennonite Church and a board member of the Mennonite Foundation of Canada (1984-1990). He died at Brandon on 19 May 2020 and was buried in the Haskett Cemetery.

Sources:

“Wealth of experience in new college staff,” Brandon Sun, 9 September 1963, page 11.

“Brandon resident awarded PhD,” Brandon Sun, 24 October 1969, page 12.

“BU's Letkeman appointed to Research Council,” Brandon Sun, 10 May 1979, page 3.

Obituary, Memories Chapel.

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 30 May 2020.

Brandon University mourns passing of Dr. Peter Letkeman,” Brandon University News, 2 June 2020.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 4 June 2021

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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