It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter John Brennan at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre in Ottawa on Tuesday, August 27th, 2019, at the age of 96.
He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Aline (Galipeau), his father Michael John Brennan, his mother Elizabeth Mary Bradley and his sisters Noreen, Patricia and Janet.
He is survived by his four children, John (Mary), Laura (Marc), Kathleen (Steve) and Maggie (Denis); his grandchildren Joshua, Amanda (Mikael), Jolene and Raymond (Emilie) and his great grandson Leon. He is also survived by his two brothers Terry (Muriel) of Montreal and David (Barbara) of Vernon B.C..
Peter was born in Montreal and soon after moved to British Columbia where his father managed Canadian Pacific Railway hotels during his youth, mainly the CPR Sicamous Hotel on Shuswap Lake.
At the age of 19, Peter volunteered to join the war effort where he served on Canada’s west coast (1943-44) and in the Far East (India and Burma, 1944-45) with the RCAF 435 Squadron as an aero engine technician working on DC-3 aircrafts.
In the years 1951 to 1959 he worked at AV Roe Orenda in Milton, Ontario, then onto Nobel, Ontario where he worked on the CF-105 Avro Arrow’s Iroquois engine. He worked the following 28 years for the National Research Council’s Supersonic Wind Tunnel in Ottawa. He retired as Head of Supersonic Wind Tunnel Operations in 1988.
Once retired, Peter devoted countless hours to the care of fellow Veterans at the Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre and frequently participated in military commemorative events.
He is a recipient of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Commendation Award, the Queens Golden Jubilee Medal and the Order of Saint George, distinguished as a Field Knight.
Member of the RCAF Association, The Burma Star Association, The Canadian Aeronautics and Space Institute and member of the RCAF 410 Wing.
We, his children and grandchildren are grateful for the loving person God had bestowed upon us. He was a kind, considerate and gentle man who possessed the heavenly virtue of patience and respect for others. He had a spontaneous and clever wittiness about him that always entertained.
Dad, your greatest legacy will remain your love and devotion to the love of your life, Aline, and the love for your family. This love has bound our souls forever!
John, Laura, Kathleen and Maggie are forever grateful for the exceptional care that the Perley Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, Rideau 1 South staff has provided our father these past few years.
Visitations will be at the Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services (280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, ON) on Monday, September 2nd from 6-9pm and on Tuesday, September 3rd from 10 to 12 noon followed by the Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Perley and Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre Foundation at 1750 Russell Road, Ottawa, ON, K1G 5Z6.
Livre de visiteurs
Ellen Cotter
Tom and Joan Kelley
I have so many amazing memories of Uncle Pete,Aline and the whole family. We were very lucky to have him in our lives.
Bett Stiefel
So sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. He had a long life and a great Son and daughter in law. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to your entire family.
Nicole Garand
My sincere condolences for the loss of your father/grandfather. He was a great man, had a truly blessed life and I wish for him to Rest In Peace.
Cal and Geri Auten
John we are sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Our sympathy and prayers go out to your family. Hold on to those cherished memories.
David de Bellefeuille
So sorry for your loss. A remarkable career and a remarkable man. Seek the comfort of family and friends in this difficult time.
“So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their endings.”
- J. R. R. Tolkien
Bruce. Manion and Kathryn Burlton
Our deepest sympathies for the passing of your father. He was a great guy who was dedicated to his family and told a mean story. Our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time.
Sue Werhar Seebach
Laura, Kathleen, John & Maggie,
I was sorry to read of your dad's passing. While it was a long while ago, I still remember his kindness, patience and wit and how he welcomed us kids into his home. I had know idea about his war service and his illustrious career! Kathy joins me in expressing our sympathies. Sue Werhar (msseebach@xplornet.ca)
Ron Mierau
Peter was such a wonderful soul. I will miss him, he was like my second father. Love to you all, especially John, Maggie, Laura and Kathleen. Bigs hugs Ron
Maggie, my heart goes out to you and your family. I will always remember your dad for his wit and humour and the way he welcomed people into your home. It was always a delight to chat with him at your family gatherings.
Elly