PETER GARNSWORTHY (June 17, 1955-July 9, 2020).
Peter passed away peacefully at the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto on July 9, 2020, after a valiant struggle with cancer. He is survived by his sister Kathy (Peter Mitchell), nephew Hugh, niece Penny (Aaron), great-nieces Anna and Julia, and cousins Jill Hankinson (Tim) and John Thompson (Wendy Bond) and their children. His dog Maggie was very close to his heart, and he made sure that she went to a loving home before he died.
Peter had the gift of friendship and had many dear old friends, many from his time in the New Faces drama group at the U of T in the 1970s. His friend Martha Mckee and her family were true and loving friends to him, especially during the difficult time of his last illness. Special thanks to Martha and his good friend Jose who were with him when he died. Thank you as well to the many friends who visited and wrote to him during his last difficult months. Your support meant a great deal to him.
Peter was a Grade 1 teacher with the Toronto board for most of his career, although he also taught in Australia and Italy (just two of the many stops in his world travels). As a grade 1 teacher and in his work with the Reading Recovery program, he helped hundreds of kids to learn to read. His skill and dedication made a huge difference to the lives of many children, especially to those who had been struggling to learn how to read. He loved the kids he worked with and continued to work as a reading tutor even into retirement.
Peter was seriously ill for two years before he died. After he was diagnosed with cancer late last year, his illness advanced quickly and spread to many parts of his body. He was remarkably cheerful and hopeful throughout this ordeal. He showed real strength of character during this time, always gracious, concerned for the feelings of others, and grateful for the care he received. His sense of humour remained to the very end. Many thanks to Dr. Bhella, and to the other physicians and nurses at the Princess Margaret, especially those in the palliative care ward.
During this difficult time of pandemic, there will only be a small graveside ceremony. If you would like to pay tribute to Peter, please make a donation in Peter’s name to the Canadian Children’s Book Centre (https://bookcentre.ca/support-us/donations).
Rest in peace, Peter. We will miss you.
Offer Condolence for the family of PETER GARNSWORTHY (June 17, 1955-July 9, 2020).
Alessandro
He was amazing.
He was always happy.
He was a good guy.
I remember when he bought his FIAT 500 and first thing he told me that Italy did so much for him that he need to pay back buying an Italian car 🙂
Eva
My sincere condolences. Peter was such a sweet and kind man, with a wonderful sense of humour. We immediately bonded over our “Canadian” background and he was a great friend and colleague since day one. He will be truly missed.
Fabio the 500 will continue the journey for you, dear Peter.
Piri Pandy
Peter was so easy to love. Rest in peace, old friend! and enjoy the musicals in heaven!
Michael and Miriam
Peter was such a friendly and sweet man, a passionate teacher and a great colleague. He was always able to cheer you up with a witty joke or an account of his adventurous travels (such as touring Italy from top to bottom with his beloved Fabio or Fabs, his grey 500). We only had him here for a short time, but it was such an honour and a blessing to know him. He will be dearly missed.
Bette
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Peter. What an amazing educator, friend and dad to Maggie. It was always special for me to tag along with Peter on one of his jaunts around Torino. His witty e-mails always put a smile on my face. R.I.P. good friend. You will truly be missed.
Penny
I was blessed to have known Peter! He touched my life and those around him in such a positive way. I have such fond and happy memories of our time spent together. I will miss Peter’s kindness, brilliance, sense of humour, witty lines and hugs!
Rick Spence
Wishing Peter and his family all the best.
I was a classmate of his in high school. We haven’t kept in touch, but I grieve his loss greatly.
Blessed are the teachers, for they beget the future.
John Benstead
My neighbour, my acquaintance, the loveliest man!
How Maggie changed his life was a miracle for both of them, together they won the puppy and owner lottery!
I will miss his caring strength!
RIP Peter.
Sandy Parker
Peter, I will miss your wave when you went out for your walk with Maggie. You were an inspiration to me to get out there and take a day at a time. Thank you! Sandy?
Liz Stewart
I will miss your cheerful greetings, whenever we met. Rest in peace, Peter.
Liz
Imaan Rashid
Mr G. was my grade 1 teacher at JDP. I live in Houston now, but in the 14 years since I’ve been in his class I haven’t forgotten his impact on me. He taught us about every type of dinosaur, and told us what a dodecahedron was (which was mind blowing to a 7-year old!). I’ve been thinking about him lately and am sad to hear that he’s passed away. All teachers are amazing, but Mr G was truly one of a kind.
Frank Chester & Joel Rotstein
So sorry to hear of Peter’s illness, and death. We were friends in our thirties, and lost contact over the years. We are working on our “memory book”, and looking him up, only to find this sad news.
Lyn Coombs
This is late but I did wish to pass along my condolences. I knew Peter who was in my year going through York Mill P.S. He was always a gentle, sweet boy. It was catching up with another classmate from that time that I just learned of Peter’s passing. I was also part of his cohort going through St. John’s Sunday school to Confirmation. Pancake Day and one particular Christmas pageant brings back fond memories. Here’s to the gentle soul I remember.