A Celebration Of Life: Peter Prier
Peter Gerald Prier (68 y) died at Hospice Wellington on September 21, 2019 at 7:40 pm with his devoted twin, Peggy and soulmate, partner and best friend, Gladys, by his side. Peter is predeceased by his parents Howard and Dorothy Prier and his daughter Julia Prier.
Peter will be lovingly remembered by his loyal and trusted children, Andrea Prier (Chris Ward) and Michael Prier. Peter will also be sadly missed by his older sisters Anne (Les Knutson), Judith (Greg McCullough), Barbara (Wayne Munro) and his twin Peggy (Jack Heeley). His nieces and nephews (Karen, Sarah, Todd, Amy, Matthew and Patrick) will miss their fun-loving uncle as will his Godson, Henry Canton, Jr. who proudly called him Godfather.
Peter influenced many people in different ways; he was a mentor, a boss, a partner, a role model, a colleague, and a friend to many – including a few since grade school. He had a life-long passion for music, reading, traveling, sailing, hockey, and bird watching, and spent hours outdoors and on the water. He will be remembered by fellow competitors of the Puslinch community Pickleball Club, fellow members of the Aberfoyle Library Book Club, and members of the University of Guelph Dinner Club.
Born on November 9, 1950 in St. Catharines, ON, Peter moved with his family to Windsor where he grew up. Throughout his childhood years, Peter was described as a “holy terror” and loved to defy authority. His mother always said that, “if he didn’t find trouble, it found him”. He was proud to be identified in school as one of the “intelligent underachievers”, not because of the special attention it brought but because he and his buddies were able to regularly skip classes. Peter attended St. Clair College after high school and entered the food processing program. Rather than attend classes, he would drive his MGB around Essex County.
After working at a number of different jobs (pillow stuffing, chow Mein noodle growing, meat packing, landscaping, apple growing, parcel delivery etc.), Peter married his high-school sweetheart Cathy and started as a lineman at Bell Canada where he flourished and thrived as part of what he fondly referred to as a rowdy crew of misfits. However, his days as a “lineman of the county” ended when he decided to pursue a University education in land resource management at the University of Guelph. He graduated in less than four years with an honours degree and, after a brief stint in the consulting industry with EcoPlans, he joined the Ontario Energy Board. Peter found this work rewarding, challenging and interesting and met many people with whom he remained friends.
After 5 years with the OEB, Peter moved into the private sector so that he could be closer to home and his family. Peter’s children Andrea, Julia and Michael and Peter’s second wife Leslie have fond memories of times at Wingate Lodge, sailing trips, playing hockey on the pond, and traveling to numerous places in North America, Cuba, and Belize. Andrea and Michael will particularly miss their dinner dates for “noodle soup” and impromptu drop-ins with their dad.
Peter had the ability to balance both work, family, friends, and play! As a partner in an environmental consulting company, Peter excelled. Peter was in his element interfacing with clients, as well as pushing those he worked with beyond their comfort zones but not beyond their capabilities. He had a knack of hiring equally “high-spirited” and fun-loving employees who became the heart and soul of the company. It was obvious from Peter’s retirement party that he aimed to make work a fun, supportive environment where individuals could excel with his steadfast guidance, his generosity of spirit and his kindness. Peter truly cared for the people with whom he worked.
Peter refused to let the death of his beloved Julia (a.k.a. The Force) in 2011 define him, but he did let it change him. It made him more caring, more compassionate, and better able to empathize with others.. His message for those who had lost a loved one was that grieving was a journey “you walked alone”. He actively reached out to ease their journey and lend a listening ear.
Peter’s death came too quickly. His last day was spent doing something he loved listening to crickets and cicadas on the porch at Hospice Wellington surrounded by wildflower gardens, birds, his family and close friends.
A celebration of life will be held on October 20, 2019 at the Italian Canadian Club in Guelph, Ontario from 2-5 pm. All are welcome. Please RSVP (https://forms.gle/bQUFfU4Tk8Gg6hDp8) by October 13th as late lunch will be provided. Peter will be buried in a private ceremony in Waterford, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Peter’s name to Hospice Wellington or the Coping Centre. Donation cards are available at the funeral home (519-821-5077) or donations and condolences may be made online at www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com
