I first met Peter Kopitas 35 years ago. He was a new employee at Côte Saint-Luc’s Samuel Moskovitch Arena and I was a typical rink rat, writing for the local paper, refereeing, scorekeeping and even managing the equipment room.
It was very clear from our first encounter that Peter (pictured above right) was a good person, always greeting people with a smile and a warm “hello.” He remained at the arena for six years, moving on to our Parks and Recreation Department where he has remained a fixture since that time.
Peter was eligible to retire last May, but given the multiple functions he serves in the department replacing him is no easy task. So he stayed on for a longer period. His last day on the job will be December 23, although I am sure he will be called back to lend a hand for certain projects.
While his formal title is “technical support,” Peter’s name should really be changed to “Jack” as in “Jack of all Trades,” for that attests to his true value.
Anyone who has attended a public event in CSL over the past three decades will recognize Peter: Canada Day, Winter Carnival, VE Day, Street Namings, Maison Fleuries, Concerts…the list is endless. Peter would set up the equipment, make sure the microphones worked perfectly and if there were drinks to serve he would be the bartender as well.
A typical day for Peter would be making countless deliveries and pickups, transferring books from our Library Express at the Aquatic and Community Centre to the main Côte Saint-Luc Eleanor London Public Library, overseeing inter-departmental mail delivery and doing bank deposits. There were many evening and weekend commitments for the job and Peter always performed his duties with great enthusiasm.
“I remember the ice storm of 1998,” Peter recalled when I sat down with him the other day. “I worked 10 days straight. There was so much to do. So many people were without food or power. I drove anywhere I could to find necessary supplies.”
Peter and his wife have two children: a son in Montreal and a daughter in Cyprus. The latter is the true reason for his retirement for Peter goes on skype each day to see and her from his granddaughter He wants the time and flexibility to go for some extended visits and now that is possible. His wife retires from her job soon as well, so the first trip is planned for March.
Harold Cammy, Manager of Sports and Administration, started his career several years before Peter and remembers how he was so muchan integral part of the success of every special event within our community.
"Peter's title of technical support represented just a hint of what his real value was to the organization," Cammy said. "That value was manifested through his commitment, devotion and loyalty and to making sure that he carried out his responsibilities to the best of his abilities. To Peter, excellence was not a destination but rather a continuous journey.''
There is no question Peter’s presence will be missed. He was deservedly honoured at a retirement party last week.
Good luck Peter!
