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The family of Peter Brommet uploaded a photo

Wednesday, August 17, 2016

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Laura Smith posted a condolence

Friday, February 20, 2015

I met Peter as I sat (as some of you will be unsurprised to hear) alone at a table in the Manulife's starbucks) huddled over some celebrity magazines. I was gripped by the story of Katie Holmes stealtly divorcing scientologist Tom Cruise. A couple of women asked if they might sit at the other seat at the table and rather brattily, I said no as i continued to read my trash mags in peace. Suddenly i became aware of someone standing behind me. I turned around to see a stoic faced gentleman surveying, unsuccesfully, for an empty seat in the full cafe. I offered him my seat but he said 'that's alright, i have to find a book i'm looking for but thanks' and he turned around and walked away. I resumed my reading. Several minutes later a voice politely enquired 'does the offer still stand?' 'of course i replied' and he took his seat. For a couple moments I continued reading about the Katie Holmes/Tom Cruise debacle but something compelled me to put the rags down and focus my attention on this gentleman. We got to talking. I think we must have been there for about 2 and a half hours. Towards the end of our conversation he told me that he'd survived the war. I think i said something about how its good he wasn't seized (as he mentioned he was jewish despite being an atheist). at which point, he rolled up his sleeve and showed me a number tattoo on his forearm. Of course I knew what that was. Meeting an actual holocause survivor was surreal for me. For some reason, despite accusations of a morbid fixation from friends, i watched every single video of holocaust survivors i could. include Shoah and hours and hours of videos on youtube. Crying to many of them. There was something so supernatural and unholy about that chapter of history. And here before me wearing Nike shoes and proficiently using an Iphone sat a 93 year old survivor, Peter. (i thought he was closer to 70). Over the course of our 2 year friendship I never asked Peter about those experiences, it wasn't my place to. I marvelled at his resilient spirit and treasured my precious friendship with him. I remeber popping in on him unannouced at his Manulife centre, calling him from the lobby, he said to come up (i think i was dropping off a holiday gift) he warned he wasn't dressed properly and didn't have his shoes on and answered the door in his PJ's and robe and I saw his feet had no toes. It may seem inappropriate for me to say this or trite, but i remember thinking how cute they looked. Speaking of holiday gifts, Peter gave me a matching teal blue hat and scarf set from Holts that was made in Italy. The hat was turban shaped and very Elizabeth Taylor-esque and i treasure it to this day. I accidentally left it at a bar in Winnepeg on break from a native reservation i was teaching on and had it mailed back to me from a half christian half jewish menonite (!?) who was the security guard at the hotel i stayed at. I felt so lucky to get it back and to have it to this day. One of the most hilarious things Peter ever said to me was 'If only i was 72 again I would ask you out!' (I was 33 at the time) and we both burst out laughing. As I know he married a 27 year old when he was 72! But of course Peter and i were just friends. we once ran into his grandson with his wife and child when we were at the movenpick on yonge street. I remember seeing whispers of an 'Oh Opa!' look on the grandson's face and it was comical and required some restraint from me laughingly clarifying that we were indeed just friens. I mean let's face it- the man had game! As our friendship progressed, i would bring up the idea of god (i am a believer) but Peter didn't care to elaborate on the subject. I find it funny that some of the most kind and loving people I've met fancy themselves as atheists. Peter was one of those people. It is a great regret of mine that in the last few weeks of Peter's life, i lost my cell phone in the snow and didn't replace it for a good 10 days. By the time i reached out to him with my new phone, he was gone. I will always cherish my memory of his frienship with him and that he came over and had dinner with my mom who lives just across the street at 1166 bay street. It is a shame he never got to meet my dad, David Smith who is a politican and historian and was very eager to meet him. I will keep his hat forever and hope to give to my daughter if i have one. Peter taught me to let go of bitterness. Something he was better at than me. Peter taught me about friendship. And Peter tried, ineffectively to teach me about the method of day trading. I love you Peter. May god keep you always. Laura Smith

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peter woolrich posted a condolence

Friday, May 23, 2014

Peter.....I hope you can see this from your lofty perch......I'll miss you ...because....you were a kind soul

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Elsha Leventis lit a candle

Sunday, April 6, 2014

I have loved you all my life and will miss you the rest of my life.

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Flo and Alex Hacker posted a condolence

Saturday, April 5, 2014

It is with great sorrow that we heard of Peter’s passing and we want to express our heartfelt condolences. I have known Peter since the late 60’s and met often socially or business related over the years. Since the 90’s we also shared the Manulife Centre for our residences and had innumerable cups of coffee together discussing everything from politics to books. I have always admired his keen mind and his wide ranging interests. We shall remember him fondly.

In loving memory of

Peter

1920 - 2014