Peter Jin Suen
June 22, 1956 – November 14, 2017

JIN SUEN (Peter) – surrounded by his caring village at the Trillium Healthcare Centre on Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at the age of 61 after a courageous battle with brain cancer. Peter is survived by the love of his life, Annie and his two daughters Monique and Ava. Peter was born in Sault Ste. Marie to the late Jin See Suen (2003) and Sumay Jin Suen. He was the third child of ten after his eldest brother Moon and sister Doris (Johnny) Ekonomakis, followed by Susan (Robin) Carter, brothers Andrew and Timothy, sisters Penny (George) Krmpotic, Kathy (Kevin) Knight, Jennifer (Graham) Jewitt and Wendy. Uncle Peter was beloved by his many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

Nothing made Peter happier than the joy of a delicious meal and great company. Pete was passionate about food. There was no such thing as one main entree but a least three for the feast. He entertained with such aplomb while having his one on one time for every guest. If you caught Pete down in Chinatown purchasing several racks of crackling pork, bbq chicken wings and other specialty meats, he’d turn to the customers in line and say "Don’t worry, I’ll leave something for you." Even while in hospital, if you asked Pete if he needed anything, he’d say “I’m feeling like a little Peking Duck with some greens and maybe add a side of grilled scallops." These pleasures in life were brought to the hospital just to keep that taste of home for him and to ease the length of his stay.

And during this time, Annie’s forever presence with the Ava, Monique and Sue, Doris and Kat, he knew he wouldn’t be alone. Our deepest appreciation to friends and family who provided care services over the 20 months - Mira Herljevic, Dominique Taylor, Bud Shoji, Joe Rezner, Kerry and Kathy Johnson, Richard and Mary Markle, Derek Darou, Dave Saini, Novy Mar, Janet Eldridge and Ansy Cruz whose compassion and support meant the world to him. Peter embraced and loved Rob Faria considering him as one of his closest friends and like a brother. Pete’s capacity to love was endless and in return, the love came back in spades.

Pete had enjoyed becoming part of Annie’s family that included Alex and Evelyn; Anthony and Clare; Dong and Agnes and Alice and their children. He felt welcomed from the moment he met them. Chicago was his type of town when visiting family, and the family timeshare in Florida, allowed him to be a kid with Ava and Monique at Disney.

Peter will also be remembered as one of those rare individuals that represented everything that stood for goodness. Kind to the core with only words of encouragement and care, Peter’s colleagues at Trillium and North York General became his second family. These relationships have lasted for more than a quarter century. Pete didn’t take it for granted when his colleagues popped in to see how he was doing. Pete graciously thanked people for coming. He found the strength to be his funny self, often remembering events that we had forgotten. The care team, PSW’s and cleaning staff enjoyed their chats with Pete and had the opportunity to know him. They would often bring the family treats and meals to sustain them at his bedside. Pete had that magnetic way of bringing out the best in his circle.

Peter spoke of his admiration and respect for the doctors at the hospital as professionals (too many to name) and as part of his hockey league. He really enjoyed taking the pucks (he was the goalie) for the team and coordinating the weekend hockey trips.

A special note of thanks to one of the finest neuro surgeons in Canada Dr. Dennis Izukawa, and his wife Sandra for her fundraising efforts, Dr. Huang who showed such warmth and compassion at the most difficult time and to Dr. Muinuddin, for managing a very complex case. In particular a note of gratitude to Debra Carson, VP Patient Care as his angel in time of need. Peter is forever in our hearts. He has left a lasting impression of gentle kindness and will be so missed. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family trust for Ava and Monique.