Passed peacefully in hospital, on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at the age of 77. He was the beloved husband to Elaine (nee Rankin), loving dad to Shannon (Rob Forsythe), Lara (Rob Lipson), and Lindsay Cooper (Gavin) and adoring grandfather to Hannah, Macklin, Liam, Will, Rory and Maisie. Peter was the eldest of five brothers and dearly missed by John (Jean Trimnell), Jim (Janis), Greg (Julie), and David (late Bonnie Lee); he will be fondly remembered by sister-in-law Nancy Scollard (Steve), brothers-in-law Alan Rankin (Brenda Lyon) and Jim Rankin (Joan Parkinson) and many nieces and nephews.
Peter, son of the late Austin and Maysie McKnight, grew up on Air Force bases around Canada. He obtained his mechanical engineering degree at Queen’s University, where he met Elaine, then completed his MBA at the University of Western Ontario. This was followed by a career in management consulting. Peter had a passion for driving, air shows, skiing and family time at the cabin, windsurfing and boating at Round Lake and butter tarts.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honour to The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre Foundation or to the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health. Many thanks to the staff at the Perley who cared for Peter in his final years.
Digital Guestbook
Patricia Holst (Pat)
Kari and Jason McKnight
Sending love and strength to you all ❤❤❤ we will miss Peter ❤
Julie and Greg McKnight
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Elaine and the whole family.
Kelly Crowe
Dear Lara, I can truely empathize...It's so hard to lose a parent and you can never really be ready. Take good care of yourself and hold your family close! Kelly
Noelle Fifield
Lara, I can see how you resemble your daddy! We haven’t spent time together in many years but I feel compelled to extend my sincerest condolences to you & your family at this time! Cherish your memories as you go forth! Big hugs!
Noelle
Ann and Wendy
We are incredibly sorry to hear of your loss. Sending you our love and thinking of you at this difficult time.
Tara and Dave
Elaine, Shannon, Rob and family. So very sad to hear of your Dad/husband's passing. Our deepest condolences to you all. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Lisa and Rick Musselman
Lara and Rob and family-- I was so sad to hear this news. So sorry for your loss. He sounds like a wonderful man and an amazing father. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Jen Williams
Sending my love and hugs to you all. Jen xoxo
Ian and Catherine (Kit) White
Elaine, Shannon, Lara, Lindsay and families,
Ian and I are so saddened to hear this news. We remember the wonderful times we shared in Ottawa when our children were young. And especially your visit to New Brunswick. Our deepest condolences to you all.
Elaine, I am so very, very sorry to hear of your husband's passing. You are a beautiful and caring person, as I am certain he was. It has been a long time since I saw you at Environment Canada butI remember you fondly I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.