With tears in our eyes and love in our hearts, we came together to share a final farewell to Peter Richter, beloved father, brother, Opa, Uncle and friend. He died peacefully at the age of 88 at the Baycrest Apotex Centre on August 30, 2023, surrounded by the love of his daughters. During his lifetime he touched the lives of many people and will be deeply missed.
Peter's life started in Vienna, Austria where he was the cherished son of Josephine Haas and Otto Richter and admired older brother to Hans. Peter immigrated to Canada in 1957, landed in Montreal, Quebec and started a life that spanned nearly 60 years there. He met and married Jacqueline Pace and together they made a home in a community with caring neighbours in Notre Dame de Grace (NDG). There they raised three loving and accomplished daughters. Peter loved his wife and stood by her through thick and thin, through highs and lows, illness, closeness and separation.
He was an accountant and worked for several companies, but his true calling was teaching which he enjoyed for over 30 years at John Abbott College. He was highly regarded by his peers and loved by his students. He taught them well and cared about them greatly.
His greatest source of pride were his children, Natalie, Melisa and Isabelle and grand-children, Azriel, Benjamin, Sara and Damien. His love of family extended to his brother, nieces, nephew, cousins and their families. He was also very protective - until he needed to be protected. No one could say anything negative about his family and nothing delighted him more than watching his family happily interact with each other.
Peter was a true European gentleman, impeccably dressed, giving a kiss on the hand to the ladies, and helping them with their coats. He would be the last to leave an elevator and would rush ahead to open doors for people. When he asked how you are doing, he genuinely wanted to know. He loved people, especially quality time together. He was a great listener who never rushed a conversation or passed judgement. He gave the most wonderful and sincere hugs and had a smile that would light up a room.
Peter had a playful spirit and a great sense of humour with an unexpected dry edge. He was also great dancer, music and art lover, a karate enthusiast, walker, sailor, hiker, cyclist and loved animals, especially dogs.
Peter developed Primary Progressive Aphasia in his final years and felt strongly about supporting research in this area so that others could benefit where he couldn't. Losing his ability to speak, read and write was a difficult cross to bear, but despite it, his warmth, gentleness, beautiful twinkling blue-gray eyes and bright smile transcended all language barriers. He truly was one of a kind and left a powerful legacy of kindness, generosity, education and a loving family.
We hope he is proud of his life and that he dancing in heaven.
Visitation took place on September 3rd and the cremation on September the 9th. He will be buried in Montreal, Quebec this fall.
Donations to Aphasia research are welcomed, please send them to the Peter Richter Memorial Fund. Donations to his fund can be made by telephone (1-416-785-2875) or online by Clicking on Donation link under the Donation Tab above (please see ‘how to’ steps below).
Donations will be sent to the Speech Pathology Department care of Dr. Regina Jokel at the Rotman Research Institute.
How to donate online:
1. Click on this link and then select ‘ecard’
2. Select ‘In Memory’ from the options provided
3. Pick an e-card you like from the options provided
4. Select donation amount
5. Click on “ +Add Recipient Information” – another window will open – follow these steps: - insert Peter Richter in the ‘In Memory Of’ box
- insert (Dr.) Regina Jokel in the ‘Recipient First and Last Name’ box
- include an optional message in the third box
6. Complete the remaining boxes to finalize the donation