May 20, 1938 to December 1, 2014
With courage and dignity, Peter left us to join his heavenly family. We mourn the loss and will remember his ‘joie de vivre’, generosity of spirit, steadiness under adversity and hard work. Cherished memories will remain in the hearts of his wife, Sue (and Sam, their border collie); daughters, Sarah (Tyler Gibson) in Toronto and Amy (Robert Campbell) in Kingston, Ontario; son, Tim (Tracey) in Vancouver and granddaughters, Estella and Clementine Campbell. Dear son of the late Loretta Coffey and Barclay Yuile from Montreal, he will be lovingly remembered by his aunt, Libby O’Brien in Westmount, Quebec; his sister, Susan Assaly in Van Kleek Hill, Ontario and their families. An alumni of Selwyn House School, Lower Canada College, Sir George Williams University and the University of Western Ontario, Peter enjoyed a life-long career in the investment community. He was a fun and caring individual who always shared his unique and endlessly positive view of life. Our thanks to Dr. Catherine Fitzgerald and the compassionate team at Victoria Hospice for their dedication and care.
A Memorial Reception will be held at the Union Club, 805 Gordon Street, Victoria on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at 2.00 pm. Interment will take place at Mount Royal Cemetery, Montreal, when the flowers bloom in the Spring. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Derek Caron
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James Darnell Peter cut a wide swath through the Victoria investment community. Peter moved freely among the various industry participants at various firms, showing great understanding and respect. He upheld some of the best traditions and standards of the industry and I am just yet another one whose life was directly impacted (in a very positive way) by Peter’s involvement.
Originally, I was introduced by the late Steven Owen who had first met Peter when he was in institutional salesman in Montreal and remembering the tradition of “the Swamp” there (where all were welcome regardless of affiliation), transplanted to Victoria by Peter. It was a call from Peter that got me back into the industry, and now 17+ years later … Over time, whenever I had a career decision to make, Peter was always on my must see list and he always made time for me.
It was an honor to see him one last time at Hospice and to meet Sarah. Although weak, he showed his dignity and lifelong interest and curiosity.
That comfort of knowing he was a few steps or a quick phone call away is gone, but I will always value his example and dedication of working with integrity, humility and grace, remaining open to all.
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Victor Badian I was sorry to learn of Peter’s passing and I just wanted to extend my sincere condolences to all of you at this time. Over the past several years, I had the privilege of meeting Peter when our LCC Alumni Association held Alumni evenings in Victoria. Peter would always arrive with a smile on his face and with him he would bring some memorabilia from his days at the School – a yearbook or photos etc. He obviously had fond memories of his time at Lower Canada College and it was always a pleasure talking with him and hearing about his time growing up in Montreal. I will miss his pleasant and positive disposition when we are next on the West Coast. Once again, my sympathies to your entire Family at this time.
A. Victor Badian
Ambassador for the Alumni Association of Lower Canada College, Montreal
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Kirk LLano Dear Sue, Sarah, Amy and Tim,
I was deeply saddened to learn yesterday of Peter’s passing. On behalf of Lower Canada College and the Alumni Association, please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss. Since 2003, I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with and have dinner with Peter at our Victoria alumni events. He had such vivid memories of LCC and Montreal, and I always thoroughly enjoyed seeing him. I extend my deepest sympathies to you and your entire family at this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Kirk LLano
Director of Alumni Engagement
Lower Canada College
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Stacey Reddick I am very sorry for your loss. I work at the BCSC and have known Peter for many years. He was such a wonderful man. Everytime I had the opportunity to see him, he would have the biggest, most friendly smile, a positive attitude, and an interesting story to tell. Peter was a very sweet man and I will miss him.
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Olivia Craster I am so sorry I did not manage to see Peter after I returned from Fiji. I felt I had time but when I phoned he was already sick. He had looked after my account for many years and I always enjoyed the long talks I had with him on the phone – always much more personal than business. I will miss that and I am sure your family will miss his wonderful personality.
Olivia
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Patricia Pelley Peter was my boss but more than that a dear friend. I worked with Peter from 2006 to 2012 and it will stand clear in my mind as the best job anyone could ask for. A happy man every morning, saying with a kind bounce in his voice “good morning Patricia!”. Peter was always sunshine and made a choice every morning of his life to wake up happy and to be kind to everyone no matter how they behave.
Peter loved his dog, his best friend and “Just for laughs” (GAGS) out of Montreal. He’d come into work and tell me about the gags on the show the night before and as he’d start to speak he would start to laugh. The more Peter thought about the gags the harder he’d laugh and by the time he got it all out we’d be in tears from laughing so hard. It was always fun to be part of Peter’s circle of friends, you felt safe and cared about. Peter had a way of making everyone in his life feel important and I will miss him dearly.
Most of all Peter loved his family and his children. Pete was so proud of you all and talked about you daily.
You will be deeply missed Peter. The world has lost a kind sole who would do no harm. My deepest sympathy to the family.
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Joan Peggs Sue (and Sam) and family
I missed the obituary (do not know how); and someone mentioned they had read Peter’s obituary. What a shock but it explains why I have not recently had the friendly ‘very early morning’ wave from Peter as he walked Sam
Thinking of all of you
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Vivienne Phillips Dear Sue,
My introduction to Peter and Sam was, by my then six month old Border Collie puppy Mollie, nearly nine years ago. Sam soon became Mollie’s best friend. Since that time Peter and Sam came by to pick up Mollie almost every weekend. Peter’s car would draw up outside the house, with the marching band music playing, and Mollie would bound eagerly to greet Peter. Mollie was like a crazy teenager and was totally in love with Sam and Peter. On their return Mollie would gaze at Peter with her big eyes, she was totally besotted by Peter’s gentleness, trust, kindness and total love of life and border collies. I would hear the stories of Sam and Mollie playing the “pass off game” along with how many border collies they had met on their travels. At 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday’s Mollie still looks and listens for Peter her wonderful fun filled friend.Vivienne and Mollie
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Richard Bennetts Dear Sue and Family,
Peter and I grew up as neighbours in Westmount, attending Selwyn together in the late 40’s and early 50’s. Our paths since university days went different ways but I was delighted when we both showed up again at the Selwyn annual Vancouver reunions. Nothing had really changed over all those years for two old friends. I will miss his happy face when we meet again next Fall. My deepest condolences to all of you.
Richard Bennetts
Furry Creek, BC
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Karin Armstrong I’m so sorry for your loss. I work at the BCSC and knew Peter since the early 90s when we registered his. I’ll never forget the time he told me that I had the exact same colour of eyes as one of his daughters.
Peter was a very sweet man and I will miss him.
karin
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James McMillan I very much enjoyed speaking with Peter at our Selwyn Reunions in Vancouver. I hope that all the happy memories you have of Peter will help you and your family through this difficult time.
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Mary Usher-Jones Peter will long be remembered as a cherished, caring and fun- living old friend, but my loving thoughts and sympathies go out to his family- Sue, Sarah, Amy and Tim, for theirs is an unimaginable loss. Keep your memories close to you. They will comfort you as we keep you in our prayers.
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Cathy Gutosky I work in the same building as Mr. Yuille and would often share the elevator with him. Mr. Yuille was always friendly and upbeat. My sincere sympathy to the Yuille family.
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Gino Nasato This is sad news. My deepest sympathy to Peter’s family.
I worked in the same building as Peter for the last 5 years and will always remember him for his cheerful smile and exuberant greeting each and every morning.
I’m sure there is a bird or two around the building that will miss his kind and generous offerings.
Gino
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Judy Fincham dear Sue,
Molly ,a miniature labradoodle from Cadboro Bay, and I spent some lovely times together in the summer. We send condolences on the loss of your dear husband Peter. We hope to meet up with you and Sam again soon.
Kindest regards,
Judy
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Barbara Haynes Dear Sue,
I was so very sorry to read of Peter’s death this morning. I’m so glad I got the privilege of meeting him when I did. He seemed the most wonderful person. That was very easy to tell. You must be feeling wretched right now, but I’m sure you feel your long life with him was more than worth all the sadness. I am here & available to walk & talk with you & Sam once you feel up to it & your family has left.
You are very much in my thoughts.
Love
Barbara
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Karma Brophy Dear Sue, Sarah, Amy and Tim,
My deepest condolences to all. Peter’s smile, friendship and mentorship has left an imprint on my life I will always hold dear. He touched many lives and had a special gift for bringing people together that will be missed in our community. There will no doubt be many a glass clinking in his honour in the coming days. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all with wishes for much comfort during this sad time.
Karma Brophy
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Penelope Colville Dear Sarah,
It was lovely to meet you this year after knowing your father for 20 years. It was obvious how much Peter admired you. I will miss his timely advice, wry sense of humour, impeccable style, and of course sharing our nostalgia for beloved Montreal. Victoria will be a duller place without the Alligator Club lunches and being able to drop by his office for coffee and chocolate-covered digestive biscuits. A little Peter went a long way, and I will remember him with great affection.
Penelope Colville
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Lorea Chilton Dear Sue,
My deep sympathy to you and Sue, Sarah, Amy and Tim and Sam. I am so sorry I was not able to spend more time with you and your husband, Peter, on the Victoria Hospice unit, but I am glad we could connect, for the short time when we did. Please feel free to keep the book to read and return whenever you like.
My heart goes out to you and your family, and I wish for you much comfort in what ever way possible at this difficult time. You and Peter and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers… thinking of you and sending you love. I thank Peter for all the wonderful work he did to assist my mother and step father with their finances and I know that his lovely cheerful personality made them very, very happy.
If I can offer support or comfort for you, in any way, at any time, please let me know.
With deep sympathy,
Sincerely,Lorea
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Dave Nicholson Dear Pete,
Thank you so very much for being My Mentor, Business Associate and Friend for The Last Thirty-Eight Years. It’s You that I have to thank for introducing me to My Life’s Work…The Investment Profession and all of The Wonderful Things that came with it for me, My Family and Esteemed Clients. You may recall that it all began with You befriending, My then Girlfriend Leslie Liersch, when The Two of You rode The Same Bus to Downtown Victoria to work and You suggesting to Leslie that Her Boyfriend should visit you at Greenshields Incorporated about becoming a Stockbroker.
Since then Leslie and I have raised Three Wonderful Sons, one of which that worked with Your Daughter in Toronto at March Canada, and have had a Story Book Life all thanks to You. Over The Decades that I’ve known You there was always a heartwarming…”Hi David!” and a cheerful disposition that could brighten any gloomy day. You always had time for New Friends and were beyond helpful in assisting them to find Their Way by making introductions and inviting Them to The Crocodiles.
The Victoria Investment will sorely miss You My Friend…
Dave (Nicholson)
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Mieke Ballard Dear Sue and family.
René and I are thinking of you at this difficult time. Remember, if you and Sam need us, I’m only a phone call away.
Dear Sue..
I am likely a stranger to you, but I want to express my condolences over your loss. I have not been in touch with Peter for a long time and news of his death came as a big surprise …more by accident via the internet. (It must be fate that led me to go on the internet here in FL as a snowbird.)
I feel bad because Peter and I spent a lot of time together as fellow classmates at LCC, and at the Montreal Badminton & Squash Club playing squash and “sqockey” (combination of squash and hockey) on the weekends…and then off to Aunt Libby’s nearby for a snack.
He loved people and to make good fun of them. So many memories I have of him. He loved his Austin car which he chose to drive to Albany (or was it NY City?) but became so dogged tired before reaching his destination that he required a police escort to the nearest motel.
As I get older, it is hard to accept news such as this. But the memories live on until it’s my turn!