Piet was born in the Netherlands and met his future wife while she was backpacking. They moved to Ottawa in 1973 and soon married. They started their family of three boys in Vancouver.
He worked for the Vancouver Parks Board and retired as Director of Planning and Operations in 2010. In retirement he focused on woodworking and conservation, securing 700-acre land for the Morrison Creek project. He is survived by his wife, three children, their partners, and a granddaughter.
In place of flowers, donations to the Comox Valley Land Trust, BC Cancer Foundation or the BC Parks Foundation are appreciated.