A Variety Children’s Charity mainstay with ties to Harrison Hot Springs has passed away.
Variety Children’s Charity B.C. recently announced the death of Peter Chipman, who worked with the charity for more than 40 years.
Locals may remember Chipman as a lounge singer at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort in the 1970s and 80s. He was 76.
“While Peter’s fame as a singer and entertainer and his success in helping Variety evolve is important to recognize, it is his kind heart, his sense of humour and his friendship that we will miss most,” Variety said in a statement
“He played the Harrison Resort off and on and was always very entertaining with a kind heart,” wrote local florist Sandy Lance on Variety’s announcement on social media. “He acknowledge my birthday every year, including 2021; he never forgot. He will truly be missed by so many.”
Chipman was born in Ottawa but grew up in St. John, New Brunswick, where he taught himself to play guitar and sing. He got his first notable taste of stage music when he formed the folk group called The Henchmen.
Chipman moved to B.C. after some time with the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. He performed with the Victoria Operatic Society in many musicals before becoming a full-time musician.
Chipman performed all over the world for 12 years before he sang on the Variety Show of Hearts Telethon for the first time in the 1980s. He became a staple entertainer and co-hosted the event until 2018 and served as Variety’s director of planned giving and major gifts.
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