Peter is my older brother, by 1-1/2 years. I was touched by the many people who asked about him and told me stories about him at the 30 Year Reunion. So I've decided to tell more about his life. Although Peter started grade 8 with us at EHSS, he did not finish. He "left home and school" in grade 10, and made his way to Calgary, where he had to grow up quickly in order to look after himself. He was only 16, of course. He enrolled in an electrical technician apprenticeship, and began work fixing stereos. He did very well for himself, eventually buying his own house and sports cars! He could fix anything. He loved to tinker, as those of you who took woodwork and electronics with him in grade 8 will likely remember.
Unfortunately, we did not know he was bipolar, but in retrospect, it explains a lot of his behaviour and activities. Life took a downturn around 1998, when he injured his arm causing nerve damage from which he never fully recovered. He was in constant pain, and could not work. He had to sell the house and return home to live with my parents. He fell into a deep depression for a few years, and would not accept any help. He eventually pulled out of it, but then overshot and became hypo-manic. His creativity and activity flourished at this time. He founded Moon Systems, designing one of the first halogen-based lighting units for bicycles. Even the police were using it on their bike patrols for a while. But, sadly, he could not sustain this type of work activity on manic energy alone, and he had a break down and was hospitalized. The diagnosis was properly made, and he underwent medical treatment, and stabilized, except for one blip when he was readmitted briefly to UBC hospital. I was a doctor by now, and was not surprised to learn that there was another Hamberite also admitted at the same time (different grade).
Mental Illness is common! Pete did well after this and ultimately moved in with his girlfriend (Naz), who he met at the Mental Health Unit. He was finishing courses to complete his grade 12!! He did well, and then had a set back with one exam. Unfortunately, his reaction took all of us by surprise. When Naz left for work in the morning, he was seemingly fine. But later, he wrote a suicide note, and jumped off the balcony. The emergency doctors at VGH worked valiantly on him, but I knew as soon as I got the call. We lost Peter on March 6, 2006. Just short of his 45th birthday.
So my message to all who read this is to be aware of mental illness. Do not fear it. It is no different than high blood pressure or diabetes. It can be treated successfully. It can also be deadly. If you know someone who has mental illness watch for signs of change, and offer them help if possible. If you suffer from it, please ASK for help. It's out there for you. I'm sure Pete would want you to do so.
We all miss him greatly. He was a great brother, despite all the trouble he managed to find for himself. He was a great uncle to his nephew and nieces. And he was a soul mate for Naz.
Thanks for reading this.
John Yap
Here is a picture of Pete, me, and his best friend, Scott.
I was saddened to hear that Peter passed away 4 years ago. We had many great conversations at school and on the phone. He was kind and compassionate and had such a unique perspective on life. I remember his quick wit and dry humour. Thanks for the wonderful write up on your brother, John. He will always be missed.
At last. I kept checking for him on our website, as he IS a part of the class.
I very much liked Peter, and you know that I wanted to look him up when I came back to Vancouver after more than 20 years away. He was a presence. I have always cherished his spontaneous way of showing up, years after elementary school, just to say hi and hang out. We didn't have to speak at school, but he also was never one to close himself up into cliques. He was NICE, he was natural. I am so glad you decided to share his life with the class, as he is part of ours.
A memory from my subconscious just came back! In my first year at Edith Cavell, when I was beginning to speak just enough English to start to integrate, there was a substitute teacher, and the two of you switched names... childish, and we were children! :) (grade 5, Mr Preston -- and I bet Mr Preston remembers the two of you). I am 120% close to my sister Dominique, and see you and Peter in the same way. When you miss him, think how much the two of you have lived, and how you have impacted us.
Anne Catherine Bajard
PS: I love the picture, you're both the same John-and-Peter-Yap!
John Yap
Peter is my older brother, by 1-1/2 years. I was touched by the many people who asked about him and told me stories about him at the 30 Year Reunion. So I've decided to tell more about his life. Although Peter started grade 8 with us at EHSS, he did not finish. He "left home and school" in grade 10, and made his way to Calgary, where he had to grow up quickly in order to look after himself. He was only 16, of course. He enrolled in an electrical technician apprenticeship, and began work fixing stereos. He did very well for himself, eventually buying his own house and sports cars! He could fix anything. He loved to tinker, as those of you who took woodwork and electronics with him in grade 8 will likely remember.
Unfortunately, we did not know he was bipolar, but in retrospect, it explains a lot of his behaviour and activities. Life took a downturn around 1998, when he injured his arm causing nerve damage from which he never fully recovered. He was in constant pain, and could not work. He had to sell the house and return home to live with my parents. He fell into a deep depression for a few years, and would not accept any help. He eventually pulled out of it, but then overshot and became hypo-manic. His creativity and activity flourished at this time. He founded Moon Systems, designing one of the first halogen-based lighting units for bicycles. Even the police were using it on their bike patrols for a while. But, sadly, he could not sustain this type of work activity on manic energy alone, and he had a break down and was hospitalized. The diagnosis was properly made, and he underwent medical treatment, and stabilized, except for one blip when he was readmitted briefly to UBC hospital. I was a doctor by now, and was not surprised to learn that there was another Hamberite also admitted at the same time (different grade).
Mental Illness is common! Pete did well after this and ultimately moved in with his girlfriend (Naz), who he met at the Mental Health Unit. He was finishing courses to complete his grade 12!! He did well, and then had a set back with one exam. Unfortunately, his reaction took all of us by surprise. When Naz left for work in the morning, he was seemingly fine. But later, he wrote a suicide note, and jumped off the balcony. The emergency doctors at VGH worked valiantly on him, but I knew as soon as I got the call. We lost Peter on March 6, 2006. Just short of his 45th birthday.
So my message to all who read this is to be aware of mental illness. Do not fear it. It is no different than high blood pressure or diabetes. It can be treated successfully. It can also be deadly. If you know someone who has mental illness watch for signs of change, and offer them help if possible. If you suffer from it, please ASK for help. It's out there for you. I'm sure Pete would want you to do so.
We all miss him greatly. He was a great brother, despite all the trouble he managed to find for himself. He was a great uncle to his nephew and nieces. And he was a soul mate for Naz.
Thanks for reading this.
John Yap
Here is a picture of Pete, me, and his best friend, Scott.
Nanette Olivar
I was saddened to hear that Peter passed away 4 years ago. We had many great conversations at school and on the phone. He was kind and compassionate and had such a unique perspective on life. I remember his quick wit and dry humour. Thanks for the wonderful write up on your brother, John. He will always be missed.
Anne-Catherine Bajard
Dear John,
At last. I kept checking for him on our website, as he IS a part of the class.
I very much liked Peter, and you know that I wanted to look him up when I came back to Vancouver after more than 20 years away. He was a presence. I have always cherished his spontaneous way of showing up, years after elementary school, just to say hi and hang out. We didn't have to speak at school, but he also was never one to close himself up into cliques. He was NICE, he was natural. I am so glad you decided to share his life with the class, as he is part of ours.
A memory from my subconscious just came back! In my first year at Edith Cavell, when I was beginning to speak just enough English to start to integrate, there was a substitute teacher, and the two of you switched names... childish, and we were children! :) (grade 5, Mr Preston -- and I bet Mr Preston remembers the two of you). I am 120% close to my sister Dominique, and see you and Peter in the same way. When you miss him, think how much the two of you have lived, and how you have impacted us.
Anne Catherine Bajard
PS: I love the picture, you're both the same John-and-Peter-Yap!