Peter Bernard Legge

Peter Bernard Legge, beloved husband, father, grandfather, entrepreneur, author, motivational speaker and philanthropist, passed away on September 29, 2026, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of love, generosity, optimism and inspiration.

Born in Ealing, England, Peter immigrated to Canada at the age of 12 with his parents, Bernard (Bernie) and Winnifred (Win), and grew up in New Westminster, British Columbia. An only child, he maintained close and cherished relationships with his extended family, particularly his relatives and cousins in Wales.

Peter's natural gift for entertaining and connecting with people emerged early. His career began in entertainment, where his humour, storytelling and charisma would become hallmarks of his future success.

It was while working as an entertainer aboard a cruise ship that Peter met the love of his life, Kay, who was travelling as a passenger. They fell madly in love and married just six months later, beginning a remarkable 58-year marriage filled with love, family and adventure.

Peter went on to build an extraordinary career in business and publishing. As the driving force behind Canada Wide Media for almost 40 years, Peter founded the company with TV Week magazine and, through his vision, entrepreneurial spirit and leadership, grew it into Western Canada’s largest publishing company producing some of the region’s most respected publications including BCBusiness, Vancouver Magazine and Western Living.

Peter's passion for public speaking was nurtured through his many years of involvement with Young Life of Canada, where he honed his skills as a storyteller and inspirational speaker. He went on to become an internationally acclaimed motivational speaker and author of more than 20 books, inspiring audiences around the world with his messages of perseverance, positive thinking and the power of believing in oneself.

His achievements earned him numerous honours, including the Order of British Columbia and Toastmasters International’s prestigious Golden Gavel Award. He was also invited to join the esteemed American Speakers Round Table, becoming its only Canadian member.

Yet Peter believed that success meant little without giving back. His philanthropic contributions touched countless lives, particularly through his decades of involvement with Variety – the Children's Charity, his annual golf tournament, the Courage to Come Back Awards where he helped raise millions of dollars for children and families in need, and his 20 years of supporting the Salvation Army with their annual Hope for The City breakfasts.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Peter embraced life's simple pleasures. An avid golfer for many years, he enjoyed time on the course, a good glass of red wine and the company of family and friends. A voracious reader, he regularly finished a book a week, reflecting his lifelong curiosity and love of learning.

Despite his exceptionally busy professional life, Peter's greatest source of pride was always his family. He celebrated his wife and daughters' accomplishments, encouraged their ambitions and made time for the moments that mattered. His generosity, humour and genuine interest in others made those around him feel valued.

Guided by his Christian faith, Peter approached life with gratitude, determination and an enduring belief in the potential of others. He will be remembered for his infectious enthusiasm, quick wit, generous spirit and extraordinary ability to inspire those around him.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Kay; his three daughters, Samantha, Rebecca and Amanda; his sons-in-law, Curb Ivanic, Jason Teahen and Trevor Hartl; and his seven cherished grandchildren, Ben, Cate, Carys, Grayson, London, Sophie and Oscar.

His legacy lives on not only in the businesses he built, the books he wrote and the lives he touched, but most profoundly in the family he loved so dearly.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of Peter's life will be held Friday, November 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at Calvary Church, 16293 104 Avenue, Surrey, British Columbia. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of BC and Yukon or Crossroads Hospice Society.