It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father Terence (Terry) Peters on March 5, 2021, age 88.
Predeceased by his son David, wife Beatrice (nee Johns) and brother Ross (Caryl). Survived by his daughters Jennifer Peters (Christian Brun) and Gillian Peters (Jeff
MacIntosh), his adoring grandchildren Gabriel, Lauren, Gwynn and Isla, his sister in law Debby Johns, niece Laura (Ronny) and nephew Joshua.
Terry grew up in Vancouver and moved to Hong Kong as a teenager which sparked a lifetime interest in travel and curiosity. Graduating from the University of British
Columbia in 1957 as a Mechanical Engineer, he went on to join the RCAF (Royal Canadian Air Force) in order to learn to fly. Serving as an Engineering Officer overseas
in Belgium, France and Germany, then working for the Government of Canada and settling in Ottawa with his family.
He was a piper with the RCAF Pipes and Drums for decades, a very well respected founding member (1961) of the Rockcliffe Flying Club where he was still an active member; he also had a strong presence at the Smiths Falls flying Club. Terry was also a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association, he volunteered countless hours with CASARA (Civil Air Search and Rescue) and flying with Vintage Wings. He was a flight instructor and mentor to many pilots well into his 80’s, something he was very proud of.
We have lost our rock, he lived life to the fullest, was a truly kind and generous GENTLEMAN, an inspiration who enthralled people with his storytelling and passion for
knowledge. He enjoyed 30 years of retirement, travelling the world around with Bea, flying his Piper Cherokee from the Arctic Sea to the Carribean, through the Rocky Mountains, and across North America, taking with him many fellow aviators to share in the adventure. He wanted to share his passion and ensured everyone he met was given the opportunity to fly, his meticulous log book proves that many have flown with Terry Peters.
He was especially proud of his grandchildren, never missing an event and instilling a life of passion, purpose, integrity and curiosity.
He leaves behind dear friends from Hong Kong (KGV), UBC, the West Coast, East Coast and around the world. As well as long time neighbours in Lindenlea, his new neighbours, along with so many in the aviation community. There are decades of summer memories with family and friends at the shared cottage in New Brunswick, if he saw you had a windsock flying, he would come calling. He and Bea spent 25 years vacationing in Barbados and also leave behind cherished friendships he formed there.
Never saying no to an adventure, or a test flight in home built aircraft, we know he could land a plane without a functioning engine! We have lost a good and genuine man, a true aviator who never lost his wings.
We will gather to celebrate his life with a reception at the Rockcliffe Flying Club later this summer, a date to follow. Private interment at Beechwood Cemetery. In Memoriam donations to Candlelighters Childhood Cancer support programs (https://candlelighters.net) will be appreciated.
“To most people the sky is the limit.
To those who love aviation the sky is home”
Digital Guestbook
Francis Belanger
Jonathan Rotondo
I'm so thankful to have know Terry, learned from him, flown with him and to have shared many chats about flying and life. He was a sweet, kind soul and the definition of a gentleman. My deepest condolences to his family. He made a positive, lasting impression on so many people. Blue skies and following winds, Terry - thank you.
Andrew Moore
I knew Terry through the RCAF Pipes and Drums and we participated on many band trips, parades, and various functions together. Terry was a true gentleman and a highly respected member of the band. Terry was also so kind to my son, AJ, who was very keen on aviation as a young lad. Terry offered to take us both up for a tour in his aircraft and it is truly a fondly remembered experience by both me and AJ. RIP, Terry, you are missed.
Lesley Wright and Vince Vaughan
We write this with warmth in our hearts, having surprised Terry in March 2020 at Nautilus, as we had not been there at the same time for a few years. Meeting Gillian was a pleasure and reminiscing with Terry over a sundowner was like no time had passed. We cherish the many days we spent with Terry and Bea, over a span of 20 or so years, while holidaying in Barbados.
Terry, as you soar above us in the blue skies, we hope you remembered Bea's "pinny".
My deepest to his family and firends. I'm honoured to have briefly know him and share our passion at Vintage Wings of Canada. God's Speed Terry