Peter passed away peacefully in hospital after a short illness. He will be dearly missed by Janet (née Montgomery), his devoted and adored wife of 56 years; sons Andrew (Maryse), Ian, Michael (Rhoda) and five grandchildren: Emily, Alyssa, Chloe, Alexander and Katherine. Also grieved by his sister, Heather Steele (James), several brothers and sisters-in-law and many adoring nephews and nieces. Pre-deceased by his brother, Alan (Tudy) in 1992.
Peter was born, at home, in Rockcliffe Park to Kathleen (Lett) and Leonard McLaine. Baby brother to Alan and Heather. He attended Rockcliffe Park Public School, Lisgar Collegiate and graduated from Ridley College (1956). He was a Graduate of Queens (Meds ’62). He retained lifelong friendships from all of these schools. He did his post-graduate training at the Montreal Children’s Hospital and Great Ormond Street, London, where he specialized in paediatric nephrology.
He moved back to Ottawa in 1970 to work at the Civic hospital. While there, he was proud to work on the planning committee for a soon-to-come children's hospital in Ottawa. He went on to work at CHEO from its inception in 1974 until retirement in 2003. He was not only one of the two original Paediatric Nephrologists but also a driving force, working tirelessly in the configuration and launch of what is now one of Canada’s premier paediatric programs. He had an accomplished medical career authoring many research papers, including much work on better understanding Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, a form of renal failure resulting from E. Coli bacterial infection. The ground-breaking Canadian Pediatric Kidney Disease Research Centre founded by Peter helped shed light on this area and served as an early model of national collaborative academic research programs. Within CHEO, as the first Director of post graduate training in Paediatrics for the University of Ottawa, he was an unstinting advocate for the many young men and women trainees lucky enough to come into his sphere, having a significant, often career-altering impact. Peter simply knew everyone, and as one of his fortunate beneficiaries put it, “when you walked through the Ottawa airport with Peter you felt like you were walking with the mayor”. Lastly and centrally for Peter, his work with thousands of sick children earned him tremendous respect from appreciative families over the course of his career.
Peter was a perfectionist who demanded much of others, offset by his charm and wonderful sense of humour. Affectionately known as Perfect Pete; Dad, Pappy, Dr. Pete; Pebo, Peebs, Silly old Sausage; The Dean (of the Outlaws), or Grumpy by assorted near and dear ones. Later in life his many health issues robbed him of his participation in many activities he loved – he remained uncomplaining and great company nonetheless.
A private family funeral has taken place, with plans for a public memorial at a future date, when Covid restrictions are eased. He surely wanted a send-off from more than 25 people!
If desired, donations may be made in Peter’s memory to CHEO Foundation, St. Bartholomew’s 2021 Capital Campaign or OrKidstra.