In memory of

Peter James Kelly

May 20, 1937 -  February 11, 2021

Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea
From Crossing The Bar by Alfred Lord Tennyson

Quietly and peacefully Peter did cross the bar on Thursday evening February 11, 2021. As his spirit was sailing out to meet the ocean of the universe you can be sure that he was smiling and humming along to the song “Wasn’t that a party!” Cancer may have been his final challenge but it never diminished his sense of humour, his tenacity for life and his wonderful ability to make people laugh and feel appreciated. Peter was proud of his many years as a professor at Centennial College and hundreds of students were the benefactors of his dedication and teaching skills. He had an admirable work ethic but he also knew the value of enjoying life and he did have fun! Among many activities he was a race car driver, captain of several charter boats in the Toronto Harbour and proud owner of his own sailboat Late Again which he sailed as often as possible May to October. He also delivered luxury boats from Canada to various locations in the U.S. and vice versa. Peter was a keen traveller and thoroughly enjoyed meeting people and experiencing new adventures wherever he was in the world. He enthusiastically attended Nascar races all over the U.S. and faithfully followed his other favourite sports on radio and television. Many exhilarating winters were spent snowmobiling in the company of his many friends. Peter truly believed that life was meant to be lived!
Peter deeply loved his family and was very much loved in return. Karen, his constant companion and kindred spirit, will be forever grateful to have shared so much of his eclectic life. He will be missed but always lovingly remembered by his step daughter Leslie (Tony) and Tim (Polly) and his step grandchildren Megan, Tyler, Rebecca and Tara. Peter will be especially missed by his sister Susan or ‘my kid sister’ as he always called her and by his brother in law Rick. Peter was a proud uncle of Karen (Vince) and Doug (Franca) and was a great uncle to their respective children Andrew, Dana-Rose, Caitlyn and Mitchell and Austin.

Thanks to the wonderful medical team at Lakeridge Oshawa Palliative Care Unit for the tender and professional care that they consistently gave Peter. Special thanks to his Nascar buddies for the many visits that gave Peter such pleasure.

My love, may you have fair winds and a following sea!

Due to Covid restrictions there will be no service held at this time and cremation has taken place. A celebration of life may take place at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Thornton Funeral Centre. Online condolences can be left at www.etouch.ca.

Should you wish to make a donation in Peter’s memory please consider the Canadian Cancer Society or The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Durham.

Guestbook 

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John and Paula Nicholls (Cousin of Karen)

Entered February 17, 2021 from McDougall, Ontario

Our thoughts are with all of you at this sad time.

Hugs, John & Paula

Francine Nesbitt (Friend)

Entered February 18, 2021 from Cobourg

Farewell to our friend Peter, a true lover of life with a knack of choosing wonderful friends. May your sails be filled the joy you gathered.
Love, Fran and Ken Nesbitt

Patty Shipp (Friend)

Entered February 19, 2021 from Oshawa

Peter Will always be loved and never forgotten. So many stories and memories to cherish. Thank you for the laughs, the drinks and the liquorice. I am sure those pesky squirrels will miss you as well. Xo.

Barbara Fabbro (Karen's cousin)

Entered February 19, 2021 from Mexico

May all the sweet memories of Peter bring you solace during this time . Love knows no boundaries, his spirit is always around us .

Helen W Hartai (none ... save thru the words and stories of Karen)

Entered February 19, 2021 from Nestleton

I know he must have been a special kind of man to have the love and friendship of someone as fun-loving and creative as you, Karen. May you be comforted and sustained in the arms of love now and in the days ahead. Helen

Photos 

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