Peter Rolston

Those of us who grew up in the Lower Mainland remember fondly witnessing Peter Rolston’s talent as a comedian, magician and ventriloquist on local television programs. In 1960, the year BCTV was born as CHAN TV, Geoff Theobald engaged him as a recurring novelty performer in Fun Fair, the live Saturday kids’ show. As a ventriloquist, he excelled in breathing life into otherwise inanimate objects, but he soon proved versatile enough as a performer to become a featured character on Side Show, Planet Pals and finally, Pete’s Place. For twenty years, he entertained thousands of people through his very popular children’s shows on BCTV. The first, Pete’s Place aired on July 19, 1965. Others were privileged to see or hear his act on cruise ships, exhibitions and festivals all over cities and towns in our western provinces. Others were entertained at children’s birthday parties and adult parties. He also gave his time to make children laugh at BC Children’s Hospital and the Variety Club Telethon. Due to Peter Rolston’s influence, there is a new generation of children’s entertainers carrying on his legacy. Rolston and his wife Barbara were married in 1962 and lived in the same house in Coquitlam for 41 years.