Peter Tower

On July 18th, at the venerable age of 99, Peter Tower peacefully passed away at the Sunnybrook Veterans Centre. Peter’s life journey began in a farming community in Western Ukraine, where he was lovingly raised by his grandparents. At the age of 11, amidst the harsh realities of the Great Depression, he emigrated to Canada to join his family who had recently resettled in Toronto. Despite the challenges of a new country, Peter persevered. While attending school, he supported his mother, stepfather Walter, and younger sister Ada, acquiring an array of practical skills that would serve him throughout his life. With the outbreak of World War II, Peter volunteered to serve in the Canadian Army. He was among the last cohorts dispatched to Europe, where he dutifully carried out transport missions across Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Germany, moving officers, wounded soldiers, and liberated POWs. After the war, Peter found his calling in the automotive industry, dedicating his career to parts distribution and warehousing, culminating in his retirement from Acklands-Grainger. Through family friends, he met his wife, Annie, and they settled in Scarborough, where they lovingly raised their two children, Linda and Stephen. A man of substantial skill and determination, Peter built a family cottage, cultivated gardens filled with fruit trees, and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those with automotive and home renovation projects. Alongside Annie, he was deeply involved with Wilmar Heights United Church, notably serving as a Boy Scout leader. His leisure pursuits included fishing, golf, and woodworking. A dedicated Mason, Peter eventually rose to the esteemed position of Master of Antiquity Lodge, Toronto, alongside his close friend Art and brothers-in-law, Bob and Bill. Following Annie’s sudden passing, Peter moved to Etobicoke, closer to his surviving family. It was here that he met Marilyn, his loving partner, at Islington United Church. Both recently widowed, they found solace and joy in each other’s company, embracing retirement together, traveling, and participating in church activities until Marilyn’s passing in 2018. In the months leading up to COVID-19, Peter maintained his independence in a retirement home, despite facing increasing physical and cognitive challenges. Thanks to the timely support from Veterans Affairs, he transitioned to the Sunnybrook Veteran’s Wing, where he lived out his final days in a compassionate and dignified environment surrounded by fellow veterans and caring staff. Peter will be fondly remembered for his physical strength, unwavering work ethic, and his mastery in working with his hands. His quiet, steadfast demeanor, coupled with his intrinsic respect for any and all people, regardless of race, religion, or economic status, left an indelible mark on those who knew him. We can only attribute these qualities to the kindness and opportunities bestowed upon him in his younger days. With heavy hearts, we say farewell to Peter. He leaves behind his daughter Linda (Bob), his son Steve (Elizabeth), his grandsons Simon and Darcy, his granddaughter Allison, and numerous loving nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors. It was indeed a life well-lived.