For more than 25 years until his retirement this year, Peter Lester served as Chief Bridge Engineer with the Highway Design Division of the Department of Transportation and Works. In this position he was ultimately responsible for the design, construction, inspection, maintenance and management of approximately 1,000 bridges and over 60 marine facilities in the province.

Peter is described by his co-workers as a man of wisdom and dedication who possesses a positive attitude, sound judgment, and a good sense of humour. He is respected and admired by staff, superiors, colleagues, contractors and consultants.

During his career, Peter’s dedication contributed significantly to the development and practice of engineering and greatly advanced bridge engineering technology and construction. He supervised many prominent bridge projects and his successful engineering career was paralleled by his accomplishments as a volunteer on many provincial and national bridge committees.

He coauthored several national engineering conference papers related to bridge engineering and was a guest speaker at continuing education and professional development events.

Peter is an open-minded, compassionate and understanding manager whose work ethic allowed sufficient flexibility for staff to balance their professional responsibilities with their personal lives. He readily welcomed and encouraged ideas and input from all staff.

Peter is an amicable and jovial person at heart. His distinctive and infectious laughter can often be heard before he is seen. He lifted the spirits and morale of those in the workplace and he related naturally with all.

During his years in the public service Peter worked diligently to help government provide the public of Newfoundland and Labrador with the safest and most cost-effective transportation system possible.

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