Peter Gilbert Champion

Celebrating

Peter Gilbert Champion

3 November 1948 - 1 August 2026

Service Details

On 1 August at 9:22 pm, after an incredibly brave 18-month battle with cancer, dad peacefully passed away.

Dad was someone with a heart bigger than most, a personality that couldn’t be matched, and a way of making everyone around him feel warm.

Even the hardest days, were faced with strength, positivity, kindness, and the cheeky sense of humour that never left him. His heart touched so many lives, and the love and laughter he gave to everyone around him will stay with us forever.

In lieu of flowers, donations for Hospice North Shore would be greatly appreciated. These would go towards a beautiful bronze leaf in memory of Peter, to be placed on the tree of remembrance and a donation to the amazing organisation that helped dad in his last weeks.

https://harbourhospice.org.nz/

The bank details for the donations are below:

Account Name: Harbour Hospice Trust
Account Number: 12-3026-0781961-00
Reference: 95562 Champion Leaf.

Tributes

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8 August 2026

Peter was the most positive go getter I have ever met. In all the time I knew him, and through everything life threw at him, I never once heard him complain. Not a single negative word, even after his diagnosis. He would find the funny side of it, crack a joke, and put a positive spin on the whole thing. That was just how he saw the world. I would often come home after a fifteen hour shift, and no matter how tired I was, his happiness would give me energy and joy. I will always be grateful for the time I spent living downstairs with Peter and Charmaine, and for the way he made me feel like part of the family. Peter’s energy and his love for life will be missed but never forgotten. He will always stay with me as a prime example of how to be the best human being possible. With love from Jackson

Jackson Trim

5 August 2026

Peter was always on the move, full of ideas and energy and working hard, like the fish he loved to chase and catch! I learned from him to be happy and creative just doing the simple things, like fishing, even if not catching one. He had a wonderful mix of humour, positivity, and a vest for life. I will always remember Peter as a genuine and kind person, and my uncle and role model. Thank you, Uncle Pete. Always in our thoughts.

Michael Rickit

5 August 2026

Peter was always on the move, full of ideas and energy and working hard, like the fish he loved to chase and catch! I learned from him to be happy and creative just doing the simple things, like fishing. He had a wonderful mix of humour, positivity, and a vest for life. So I will always remember Peter as a genuine and kind person, and my uncle and role model. Thank you, Uncle Pete. Always in our thoughts.

Michael Rickit

5 August 2026

A memorial leaf on the Terry Stringer sculptures at entrance of Hospice will be a lovely way to remember Peter. Lots of memories as I had this morning’s coffee overlooking the Waikato river - it wasn’t his Waipa but close enough.

Robin Champion

5 August 2026

We didn't see you very often Pete but when we did you always took a genuine interest in what was happening in our lives. What a fighter you have been over the last two years. Meeting your health battles with an incredible level of acceptance and bravery. Such a kind man, always smiling and positive. I have talked with friends about you and how you have certainly lived up to your name. All our love to Charmaine and Sophie as they face these strange times ahead xxx

Barb and Wayne Holland and family

5 August 2026

We didn't see you very often Pete but when we did you always took a genuine interest in what was happening in our lives. What a fighter you have been over the last two years. Meeting your health battles with an incredible level of acceptance and bravery. Such a kind man, always smiling and positive. I have talked with friends about you and how you have certainly lived up to your name. All our love to Charmaine and Sophie as they face these strange times ahead xxx

Barb and Wayne Holland and family

4 August 2026

We met Pete and Charmaine at our antenatal classes in 1997 and since then we have had a special friendship with the family. Pete was always the first one to help others, nothing was too much trouble for him. We will miss Pete's kindness, sense of humour and friendship. He will always have a special place in our hearts and will be remembered by our family xxxx.

Sue, Martyn, Matthew and Mark

4 August 2026

A hardworking, creative and loyal man who faced his health challenges with humour and courage. Pete loved his family fiercely, dedicated himself to all his business dealings and is proud of Sophie’s success in the business. He found joy fishing on the water, laughter with friends, and always showed up for those he cared about. Leigh and I will miss him deeply. A true friend, never forgotten.

Chris and Leigh

4 August 2026

Peter was such a fun loving man. He loved making everyone laugh and those sparkly blue eyes and huge smile. Cheeky and compassionate, always a pleasure having him around. Just had to make sure we told him an hour earlier to events hoping he be on time. It has been a privilege knowing you Pete and you are in our hearts forevermore. Lou and Mike

Lorraine and Mike Olsen

4 August 2026

We will always remember Peter's cheeky grin the sparkle in his eyes, his generosity and kindness. He was quick-witted, loved a bit of mischief and never missed an opportunity to tell one of his wonderfully silly jokes. Our heartfelt condolences to Charmaine, Sophie and Anna. Thank you for sharing those precious final weeks and days with us. We will miss him so much X Pete

Sam and Denise Champion