On February 14th, 2021, a most beloved husband, son, brother, stepfather, stepfather in-law, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and great friend has left us. Peter possessed great courage and strength throughout a decades-long illness. Among others, his most remembered qualities will be his kindness and gentleness, his capacity for forgiveness, his understanding, and his intelligence. Born in England, a young Peter came to Canada with his family eventually settling in London Ontario. In his teenage years, the 27th Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets in London ON retired him with the rank of Warrant Officer Second Class. As this nourished his interest in aviation, he later earned his Private Pilot wings, his most prized accomplishment. Peter was a graduate of Western University in London and Georgian College in Barrie. These studies led him to a career in Administrative Finance with Cambrian College and the TD Bank. He had a great love for hockey, golf, music and plane watching. Peter enriched the lives of his loving surviving wife, Lucille Simoneau, his mother Kathleen, his father John (predeceased), brother Ken (Mary), sisters Pamela (Sean Ford) and Susan, stepson David Brett (Samantha Craig), step-grandson Hudson Brett, stepson Derek Brett (Melanie Pilon), niece Nicole (Trevor Boyer). His most noted long-time friends are Paul McIntosh (Nancy) and Ray Hutt (Linda). He leaves many other family members and friends who will remember him fondly. Much appreciation and great thanks are sent to all the Staff at St. Joseph’s Villa for their kind care. The family will grieve privately.
We are so sad to hear of Peter’s passing. We remember him well from the Parkinsons support group.
February 24, 2021
Lucille and Family. Prayers for you at this sad time
February 19, 2021
As Peter’s brother and sister, we have many stories of him, but here are a few that stand out at this time.
It was December 1966, and we were staying with Aunt Jean before we were to come to Canada. I was 6 and Peter was 7. Peter and I were given the task to go down the road to a farm and get a wheel barrow of potatoes from the farmer. Peter had one handle of the wheel barrow, and I the other. I remember the potatoes falling out of the wheel barrow as we pushed it back to Jean’s house, and we started laughing as they kept falling out onto the road. Peter really enjoyed a good laugh.
It was January 1993, and Peter and I went to England to attend our cousin Andrew’s wedding. While in England, Peter and I went back home to Preston 26 years after coming to Canada. We went back to our old house and school, and went to visit our Grandparents. Peter and I spent a few days going to places we remembered. Peter was very proud of being British, and where we came from.
As a family we used to travel from London to Toronto International Airport, and park the car on the roof of Terminal 1. Peter was in his element – the smell of jet fuel, and watching the planes take off and land. When Peter learned to drive, Dad used to let him drive half way between London and Toronto. Dad had to take over the driving, because as we got closer to the airport Peter’s eyes were up in the sky looking for planes, instead of on the road. Peter’s passion for flying resulted in him obtaining his private pilot’s license. One of Peter’s best experiences flying, was not as a pilot, but as a passenger on a flight to the North Pole on the Concorde. He treasured those Concorde socks!
Peter loved watching hockey, especially his favourite team the Montreal Canadiens (the Habs). He also played hockey with Ken and friends at the local community ice rink. Now, Peter was good at applying the knowledge and skills he learned throughout his life, and that included using a hockey play on me. For instance, when we were teenagers, he body checked me into the coat closet one day when we were playing around. No harm done, and we laughed about that for years.
Peter was not only our brother, he was also our friend. We will miss him dearly.
If there is one word to describe Peter, it would be from the person who Peter looked up to. That word is CHAMPION.
February 19, 2021
Goodbye Pete!
You were the one who taught me how to drive. You taught me how to golf. You taught me how to be strong. You taught me how to be loyal.
Our lives were so parallel. You were in Air Cadets – I followed. You went to the University of Western Ontario – I followed. You got a good job – I followed. You had a failed relationship – I took that one on too! You found the love of your life and became a stepdad – I found mine and became a stepmom. Your illness took over and you needed care – our parents needed help and I became their caregiver, a task made easier by the lessons you taught me.
Your courage, perseverance, loyalty, devotion and optimism are to be admired.
I miss you Pete. I always will.
February 18, 2021