Obituary of Peter Brommet

Peter (Simon) BROMMET February 9, 1920 - March 26, 2014 Although 94 and slowing down, he passed away unexpectedly at St. Michael's Hospital…not ready and certainly not how he would have wanted to leave. Peter/Dad/Opa/OpaOpa (aka the "Ever Ready Bunny"), as he was variously known by friends, wives, lady friends, children, grand and great-grandchildren, lived a long, full life. He was by many accounts a rogue, a renaissance man, a mentor to many young people he met while frequenting the coffee shops at the Manulife Centre, his home for the last 25 years. He was charming, dashing, debonair, bright, curious… and very complex. His favorite song was "I Did It My Way." He was not easy to read, set in his ways, stubborn…yet generous and very, very proud…as a man and of his family…although rarely expressing those feelings. Both his style and character were a result of his European heritage (he was born in Amsterdam) and his survival instincts; he survived the concentration camps, a death march in mid-winter to Buchenwald and the loss of most of his family; he moved to Canada to start life over with 2 kids in tow shortly after the war, and went on to survive heart attacks, multiple by-passes, an aneurysm and cancer. Over the years he re-invented himself many times: he started with perfume stores, became a realtor and a successful entrepreneur (he was an early pioneer of the coin operated laundry industry, growing his little business into an international company), co founded an executive jet service, operated an equestrian centre at his farm and then eventually became, very late in his life, a stockbroker and finally a day trader, which he did right up to last year. Although not spiritual in any way and not believing in an afterlife, perhaps he'll meet his long lost family, as well as those who left us way too early…wherever it is that one goes. He wanted things simple, so no funeral, no service…and no regrets. The family will celebrate his life together, with a Ginger Ale toast…his favorite beverage. In lieu of flowers, donations to Sick Kids Foundation or March of Dimes would be greatly appreciated. He made a mark, did it his way and will be missed by all. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.