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Shared Memories |
Carryl Potter (Colleague)
I want to express my sincere condolences in the passing of Peter. Being "stunned" is an understatement. My first professional connection with Peter occurred in 1987 when I went to OTHS to replace him as Guidance Head. He had left a well organized and well respected department. It was easy to carry on with his work - it was hard to fill his shoes.
In 2007, we had 4 funerals and a wedding in my family; now in 2008, I have already been to 4 funerals. Some have been young (a 29 year old from Bells Corners) and some have been old (a father-in-law of 92). No matter when they have gone, it has always seemed to be "too soon". I hope and trust you can, in time, find some peace around his passing.
Irmela and John Murphy (Colleagues)
John and I got the sad news re Peter and I wanted to send our condolences to you. I can only imagine how difficult and sad this time is right now for you.
I worked with Peter when I was the head of Phys Ed at Osgoode THS and he was a wonderful person. He was so knowledgeable. He was very supportive of me as a new rookie head. Most of all I remember his sense of humour (which was often dry), his humanity, and his care for people.
It is always hard to know what to say at a time like this. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.Take care of yourself,
Marina Mahoney (Colleague)
I wanted to pass on my deepest sympathy on the recent passing of Peter. Peter was the most amazing person I have met in my career. Patient, gentle, intelligent, and a quiet sense of humour. Peter was my greatest mentor, and I believe I am successful today because he took the time to teach me what he knew. He always challenged me to try something new, and I will always appreciate him for that. Rose-Marie, may the many memories you share of Peter put a smile on your face.
Kerry Callan-Jones (Colleague at Colonel By SS)
I was saddened to receive an e-mail here in Mexico about your recent loss of Peter. I worked with Peter for a short time at Colonel By, many years ago, when he was the Admin. Head and I was a science teacher. I remember him as a true gentleman with the most wonderful voice.
Carol Lynch (Colleague of Rose-Marie)
Rose-Marie - Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. The wonderful memories of your life together will sustain you.
Lynda Hockey (Colleague at JS Woodsworth SS)
I was very saddened to hear that Peter had taken ill again this winter. Everyone who worked with Peter had nothing but praise for his skills, both professional and personal. He had so much to teach us all. I know he will be sadly missed -- be assured we are thinking of you and your family.
Ted Valliere (Colleague at JS Woodsworth SS)
I am very sorry for your loss. Peter was one of the first people who helped us get the DD Unit started at JSW and always supported us. He will be missed.
Pat Perlberg (Colleague at JS Woodsworth SS)
Rose: My sincere condolences about Peter. He was a remarkable man. I had the utmost respect for him. He was a life-saver for me when I was a starting VP at AYJ.
Michael Clarke (Colleague of Rose-Marie)
My deepest sympathy to Rose-Marie and family at your loss. Remember the good times and treasure them. You are in our thoughts.
Grant & Frances Woolsey (Neighbours)
Rose-Marie -- our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Susan Roberts (EC Team Leader, Emily Carr MS)
Rose-Marie, my thoughts are with you. Peter will be remembered for his calm, caring manner and continued support for EarthCARE.
Steve and Isabel Millington (Colleagues)
Steve and I were saddened to hear about Peter’s passing while we were in Florida. We both treasure memories of him. Steve remembers his time as a guidance counsellor as Peter patiently showed him "the ropes" as a rookie in the department. I, of course, remember him as a fellow guidance counsellor, but most of all I remember the numerous tines that I phoned him when I was trying to learn how to be a quasi-admin head at Gloucester. He would always take the time to graciously and slowly walk me through the steps of the process I was stuck on. May happy memories and the thoughts and prayers of friends and family comfort you in this time of sadness.
Lorne Rachlis (Director of Education, OCDSB)
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of Peter. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marianne Graham (EC Team Leader, Castlefrank ES)
It is very sad news indeed. Peter will be missed terribly. His contributions have made such an impact. My thoughts go out to all of you who called him friend.
Tim, Marie, and Cole Cresswell (Friends)
Peter -- a man with great taste. I was really in awe of Peter last May -- working away at the EarthCARE Expo though he wasn’t feeling well. He smiled and helped without complaining. What a positive, lasting impression he has left in our hearts and minds. We are thinking of you and hoping for comfort and peace as you remember Peter at his best, not his moments of suffering.
Donna Forbes (Friend)
I was deeply saddened to hear about the death of Peter. He was such a kind, caring, and gentle man. I know how difficult this must be for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Marjorie Clegg (Colleague at OCDSB)
No matter how many times you hear words of sympathy, nothing can really make this less than searingly painful. That pain, as you know, will slowly fade -- and I hope those of us close to you can hep speed the healing.
PJ & Carmen Worsfold (Friends)
I heard that Peter passed away yesterday. Although we only met a few times, I found Peter to be a kind and thoughtful man, with a good sense of humour. I have particularly fond memories of the night a few years ago when you and Peter took us out for dinner here in Vancouver; I am sure he will be remembered well by all those who knew him.
I have never lost anyone as close to me as I’m sure Peter was to you, so I can’t imagine how you must feel. However, I know that the last year or so was very difficult for you both and I only hope that your mind is now somewhat put at ease with the knowledge that Peter is no longer in any pain. I speak for Carmen as well, when I say that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. If there is anything that either of us can do, just ask.
Anne Saunders (Friend)
I am sorry to hear that Peter has passed on - it must have been difficult for both of you - our thoughts and prayers and hugs and love are with you.
Lawrence Keyte (EC Team Leader, Richard Pfaff Secondary Alternate Program)
Please convey my sadness and respects to Peter’s family today. I was so sad to hear the news. I remember Peter as a thoughtful, dedicated and very kind person, who contributed a lot of his time to something he believed in, with his work for EarthCARE. He was a real strength and enormous support to the organization. I also remember his warm smile every time we met. I will miss him very much. My thoughts are with his family.
Donna Bass (Colleague at JS Woodsworth SS)
Rose-Marie and Family: I have so many fond memories of Peter, but none compare to those you will all cherish forever.
Alexandra Bolotenko and T.W.I.G.S. (EC Team Leader, Glebe Collegiate Institute)
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the passing of your husband, Peter. T.W.I.G.S. flourished under his infinite wisdom and his compassionate and dedicated leadership with EarthCARE. We will forever treasure his guidance and support. Peter will truly be missed. (All members of T.W.I.G.S. signed the card.)
Jodi Rosekat (EC Team Leader, Dunlop PS)
My deepest sympathies to all of you at EarthCARE. Peter was a great asset to the team. He will be sadly missed.
Calvin Climie (EC Team Leader, Knoxdale PS)
Our condolences to Peter’s family and to the staff that worked with him.
Valerie Maier (EC Team Leader, Elizabeth Wyn Wood Alternate Program)
Please include my condolences to Peter’s family. He was a great friend of EarthCARE, the Earth, and Elizabeth Wyn Wood Alternate. He was super with our students when they worked with him on the EarthCARE Expo. When he heard we were raising money through a car wash for a family of one of our students who was killed, he gave generously and quietly. He was an excellent model for students who wanted to do positive things for the environment.
Debbie Rossman (Colleague at JS Woodsworth SS)
I have only fond memories of the very tall, very serious man who -- amidst the gravity of his manner -- always possessed a twinkle in his eyes. Peter was a rescuer of people. He made the complex less so. I had great respect for him both professionally and personally. I cannot imagine the loss you must be feeling.
Jennifer Baldelli (Colleague at OCDSB)
I was so sad to hear that Peter has passed away. It’s just like him to go quietly without any fuss. We loved him and will miss his wonderful dry sense of humour.
Janet Sauriol (Colleague at OCDSB)
Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your Peter. I will remember Peter ...
... for all the help he provided us here on the 4th floor by keeping track of the tremendous amount of public feedback we received during the Student Accommodation: 2004 & Beyond
... for helping me reduce those ‘generous’ secondary portable allocations (I think that’s where I got my ‘portable Nazi’ nickname)
... for his great ‘teasing’ sense of humour.
May you have peace and courage. My thoughts are with you.
Sue Peter-Weeks (Colleague at OCDSB)
I was so sad to hear the news about Peter. I had only met Peter a couple of times and he seemed a very nice person with a wonderful sense of humour. How lucky you were, Rose-Marie, to find such happiness with him. I hope the times you spent together will bring you some comfort. My thoughts are with you. Take good care.
Veronica & Paul Ford (Friends)
We are both very saddened by your news. Although we did not have the privilege to meet Peter, we felt we knew him through you. We know you will miss him dearly; however, he is now free of pain and suffering and in God's hands. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dennis & Kathy Lawson (Friends)
I am lost for words - we would like to offer our condolences to you and your family - we are terribly sorry, you and Peter have had a tough row to hoe over the past months, we have thought and talked about you often, wondering how things were going, but never expected this, as I sure, you didn't. Keep in touch Rose-Marie and if you need anything that we can help with, even just to chat, you know where we are.
Nancy Wheeler and Larry Kry (Colleagues at OCDSB)
We wanted to let you know we are thinking of you at this difficult time. So sorry to hear of your loss. I have fond memories of Peter’s wonderful wit and speaking ability.
Angie Kelly (Spence) (Colleague)
I was sorry to have arrived too late before the funeral so that there was no opportunity to give you my condolences in person. It was a wonderful tribute to Peter and added some new dimensions to the man I was fortunate to work with in three schools. His office was a zone of calm during those opening years at West Carleton and he bailed me out several times as I was trying to come to grips with my new job as department head. I loved his sense of humour, perhaps precisely because I knew that none of us could be sure we weren’t the next target. You have some wonderful memories of your time together and I am sorry it couldn’t be longer. My thoughts are with you.
Nancy MacLeod (Friend)
I know Peter had been very ill for a long time, but it still seemed a shock to hear about his passing. Please know that you and your family are thought about constantly, and best wishes go to you from both of us. I did not know Peter well, but others spoke very highly of him and his many attributes and skills.
Sue Baker (Colleague at South Carleton HS)
I am writing today to let you know how truly sorry I was to hear about Peter. I just found out today when I ran into Tracey Armstrong (South Carleton HS) who is a new faculty member here at the University of Calgary. It really is a small world. I moved to Calgary a year ago to take up my current position and our office is hosting a new faculty orientation.
It was such a joy for me to work with Peter at South Carleton. Although I was only at South Carleton for one year, I appreciated his willingness to help me learn the administrative "ways" of SCHS. His quiet sense of humour is what I remember most about him.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you are keeping well.
Best regards,
Sue