Obituary of Peter Kehrer

Peter passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on August 13, 2020, following a brief period of hospitalization at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital. Peter was a rock for his wife Ruth for nearly 45 years. As well as being father to Suzanne, Peter Jr. (Shelene) and Melissa (Dave), Peter was also adored Opa to Kieran and shared a very special bond with him. Peter also leaves behind many extended family members in Germany.After immigrating to Canada from Germany in 1954, Peter lived in Montreal for over a decade before relocating to Toronto in the late 1960s. Peter spent much of his working life in the business machines industry, and had a keen interest in computers and technology all his life. Peter was curious and reflective about many other things as well, including philosophy, politics and genealogy. Peter loved learning, and loved taking trips to his local bookstore. But most of all, Peter found joy in the little things: a comfortable home, being with family, spirited political conversation with a friend, a beautiful sunrise, a good walk, the treed view from his study window, delicious things to eat, a game of chess, and myriad others. Peter spent most of his years in Toronto in the Beaches. In his later years, Peter was a fixture on his front porch on Elmer Avenue, where he would sit with the family dog, Maggie, while reading his newspaper with a coffee in hand. He could be counted on for a smile and a wave to neighbours and cherished friends on the street as they passed. The Beaches was an area that was always very special to Peter, even after he and Ruth moved to Oakville in 2016. In accordance with Peter’s wishes, his family intends to take steps for a tree be planted and a memorial bench erected in his memory somewhere near his old Beaches home. A remembrance of Peter’s life will be held at a future date, once the family has given effect to Peter’s wish. The family wish to thank Peter’s care team at Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital, who treated Peter with utmost care and dignity in his final days. Shortly before his passing, Peter told his family that in the hospital, he was being treated “like a king”. The family is particularly grateful for the care and compassion of the OTMH nursing staff in Emergency, the Intensive Care Unit and on 5 South. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be considered to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.