On Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Algonquin Grace Hospice in Huntsville, surrounded by his family in his 90th year. Devoted husband of the late Mary Frances, married for 52 years. Loving and cherished father of Michael, Heather (Guy Martens), and the late Catherine (John Boake). Proud and devoted grandfather (“Pop”) to Cleo, Nathan, Abbey, and Sofie. Caring uncle, brother-in-law, and friend to many relatives throughout Australia and across Canada.
Peter started his career in advertising quickly realizing his natural talent for engaging audiences and telling “the story”. He became a professor of advertising at Mohawk College, inspiring many students and colleagues.
He was an engaging storyteller and avid listener. Entertaining visitors, young and old, with stories of his travels: running with the bulls, rubbing shoulders with Ernest Hemingway, or cruising around Cape Horn after learning to tango in Buenos Aires. Peter loved sharing his expansive knowledge of art and eclectic collection of paintings and sculptures (AKA ‘yard art’) that filled his home, both inside and out.
Following Mary’s death, Peter permanently moved to Bella Lake. This home, and the surrounding beauty of water and trees, were his greatest pleasure, bringing him great joy and solace. He revelled in the wonders of the world around him. The support of decades-long relationships, with generations of families on the lake, allowed for companionship, infamous social gatherings, and the opportunity to live on the lake as long as he could.
One phrase we hear often is the admiration people had for Peter. His love of family extended beyond blood ties, embracing everyone with his comforting presence, clever storytelling, and witty sense of humour, which left a lasting impression on anyone who came into his world. Peter was a beacon of love and wisdom, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life.
We will all miss him and his home feels empty without him, there is a void. His children will keep the legacy of almost 60 years on Bella Lake; remembering all who have swum, canoed, and walked through the waters as we look forward to making more memories in this very special place.
A service to celebrate Peter’s life will be held in the fall as the colours reach their peak on the shores of Bella Lake. He will be buried with Mary at St. John’s York Mills Anglican Church in Toronto.
The family is immensely grateful for the care and kindness of all the staff at Algonquin Grace. We could not have asked for better care and support for our dad, and us, during his time there.
In Peter’s memory, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Algonquin Grace Hospice, on-line https://www.hospicehuntsville.com/donate or by calling (705) 789-6878.
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