Obituary of Peter James Labbett

Peter James Labbett Our best friend and love and major fun of our lives has left us. Peter passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, January 24, 2007, at the age of 66. Peter was a wonderful, kind, loving, civic minded man who was involved in many aspects of all our lives. Peter was the devoted husband and best friend of Cathy for 44 years. Dear father of Michelle Dawson (Steve) and Keith (Cynthia). Much loved and doting grandfather of Haley and Reid Dawson, and Connor and Regan Labbett. Son of Margaret (predeceased) and Warren and brother of Bob (Barb). Peter will be missed by a large extended family and many friends. Peter was founder, President and owner of Labbett Insurance Services, a prominent Toronto-based insurance brokerage for over 30 years. In 1995, he was appointed Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald Children's Charities where he oversaw a wide range of activities focused on raising money for the benefit of children. Peter was the Parade Director of the Original Toronto Santa Claus Parade for 24 years, Vice Chairman, Board of Directors of the Toronto Zoo, Director and Vice Chairman Exhibition Place, Chaired 6 Grey Cup Festivals, Founder and Chairman the Canadian College Bowl Festival, Director of the OLGC, The Trillium Foundation and an active member of the Junior Board of Trade. In honour of Peter's numerous contributions to the community, the Toronto Junior Board of Trade established The Peter Labbett Award, which was presented annually to the outstanding event Chairperson of the Year. Peter served as President of the Balmy Beach Club where he enjoyed both his football and rugby friends. He also served on the Board of Directors for Scarboro Golf and Country Club where he was proud to be an active participant in the Sammy Boys . Peter's stories and jokes will be sorely missed by everyone including his close-knit golf and curling communities. Visitation is on Sunday, January 28th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Humphrey Funeral Home - A.W. Miles Chapel, at 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Eglinton Avenue East), Toronto, Ontario. A Memorial Service will be held at St. John's Church York Mills, 19 Don Ridge Drive (off Old Yonge Street), on Monday, January 29th at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club, 141 Wilson Avenue. As an expression of sympathy, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Original Santa Claus Parade, 139 Wendell Avenue, North York, Ontario M9N 3K9, 416-249-7833.