Our beloved father, Grandy, “Mr. Big,” passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home at the age of 75. Born in Hamilton, ON, he grew up in Montreal and spent joyful summers in New Glasgow, NS before moving to the West Coast as a young man.
He was an outstanding athlete, a successful lawyer, a loving father, partner, and grandfather.
He leaves a legacy of love in many friendships, his partner, Alison; his children, Kate (Stuart), Georgia (Omid), and Michael; stepsons, Julian (Lucio), Declan (Philippa), and Nigel; and grandchildren, Sacha and Heidi. His good heart and the twinkle in his eye are greatly missed.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, November 24th, 2024, from 2:00-4:00 pm, in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, British Columbia.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Elizabeth Killam
-
Dan Dagg My deepest sympathy to all the family and friends. I too will miss Peter’s great big heart and his larger than life presence. Peter always took the same care and attention to my problems as he did his own. He was thoughtful, kind, loyal. He had a personal story this fit any circumstance. Your sage advice and warm smile will be missed.
-
Paul Edwards For a short time around 1975, Peter lived in the residence of Trinity College Toronto, as the law school was a short distance away, separated by a green space known as “Philosophers’ Walk”. The undergraduates on our floor looked up to Peter, whose pithy expressions of humour and mature wisdom were quite sought after.
It happened that at that time Philosophers’ Walk was a no go zone, as pedestrians would be accosted by a big, threatening, extremely tough character with scars, who would now be termed a street person. It was Peter who decided to go ask this chap to make himself scarce. The other party flung his jacket off and assumed a fighting position, shouting “I’ve had about enough of you guys”. As it happened, there was no brawl, but Peter was somehow successful in his mission, as the fellow was never seen in the area again.
-
Bob Diebolt Peter, a warm, generous, thoughtful and complicated man. He ranks as one of the legal profession’s best story tellers of our generation. A good friend, I will miss his ready smile.
-
Ross Gilley Peter and I were rugby teammates 50 years ago in Vancouver. In those days, his toughness, smarts, and humanity shone through. Some 20 years later, I found myself as his fuel supplier during his Okanagan days. We again enjoyed some delightful conversations, usually with him proudly wearing his distinctive farming hat. Sincere condolences to all his loved ones.
-
Bonnie Alice Jackson My husband Terry and I were in High School with Peter in Montreal. I do remember that twinkle in his eyes, and the kindness that he showed to everyone. We saw him not too long ago in La Quinta watching the American Express Golf Tournament. It was so wonderful to see him after so many years. We are very sorry for your loss Allison, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies. The world has lost a treasure.
-
Ann Kerwin I was deeply saddened to read of Peter’s death in the Globe this morning and wish to send my condolences and sympathies to his family on his death and the loss of a really great guy! I met Peter at McGill in the 1960s heydays, introduced by mutual friends. I am a Montrealer and loved meeting so many people from all over Canada and the world at school. We had many good times together in a group of fellow students and then I graduated and moved to Toronto for further education. Well, so did Peter several years later as he came to U of T Law School and met a very good friend of my husband’s, Dean Higgins. Again we had many memorable times together and then Peter moved west and we did not see each other again, although I met Kate in Toronto years later at a women in medicine event, in my role as Chair of the Board of Women’s College Hospital – she reminded me of her darling Dad. My memories are of Peter in another time, but they are very fond ones and so his obituary rang so true – a tremendous fellow and friend. with my condolences,
Scriv (ass he knew me) Ann Scrivener Kerwin
-
Doug Hoyle I met Peter in Kelowna in 2007 or ‘08 I’m not certain.
I reconnected with him in Victoria soon after he made the move.
I always enjoyed his sense of humour and his kind way.
He will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.
He had a positive impact on my life and for that I’m very grateful.
-
Paul Henry Peter was an outstanding person in so many ways. When we met in Law School and on the University of Toronto Rugby Team, I quickly realized Peter was one of those rare individuals who was an outstanding athlete and scholar. We were friends for over fifty years. Peter’s head injury sidetracked some of his plans, but I never heard him complain or suggest that life had treated him unfairly. He had great strength of character.
I want to express my deepest sympathy to Alison and all Peter’s family. He was absolutely one of a kind.
-
Arthur Halle Peter has been my dear friend for twenty years. My strongest memory of him is walking down Dallas Road, as he quoted contract law. I would correct him if he missed a word. It must have worked. He started practicing again. I spoke with him on the phone last week. My heart is broken.
-
Vanessa Udy My deepest condolences. Peter was of support to me in the Lawyer’s Assistance Program during a very difficult time in my life. I will remember him for his compassionate service to others.
-
Lori Charvat Peter has left a legacy with his generous and tender spirit. This will live on.
-
jen howe Carnsew Street has lost one of its own. I remember Peter for his hand-crafted walking sticks. He used to salvage seasticks from the beach and work on them in his driveway. I own and treasure one of those sticks, shaped by the sea and smoothed by Peter.
Walk on dear man.
-
Stephanie Greaves My condolences on the loss of Peter – what a wonderful gentleman he was when he used to come and watch me sing!
Alison. My deepest condolences. In the few times I met Peter, he was always so very warm and gracious. Your relationship was truly one to be admired and emulated.
My thoughts are with you and the rest of his family.
Elizabeth