Obituary of G. Peter Harley

 

G. PETER HARLEY

 

G. Peter Harley, son of the late Vera and George Harley died April 27, 2021 at his home in Newcastle in the arms of his wife, Ann-marie. He is survived by his wife, his daughter, Anne Dorothy Harley of Claremont, California, his son, John Harley, (Lisa) and grandsons, Spencer and Alexander of Toronto.  His sister, Dorothy Harley Eber C.M., his cousins, Frances and Anne, their spouses and children as well as his many nieces and nephews and their extended families will all miss him.  His step-grandchildren, Callum and Winnifred Code held a special place in his heart.

 

His donations to an AIDs orphanage in Malawi, through St. Peter’s Cobourg; as well as Covenant House, The Salvation Army, CNIB, the Clarington East Food Bank and many other causes directly benefited people.

 

He particularly enjoyed his reunions at Harvard with other MBAs from his class. It was a wonderful opportunity to catch up, exchange news, attend lectures and revel in Boston. Sadly, it will be missed this year.  He was a partner at McLean Budden.

 

He had a special relationship with a childhood friend. The friendship was reignited at Military College and with a common love of sailing. Rev. Ian Wishart joked that his annual visit to the Harleys was to check up on the guarantee of a successful marriage he had given as he had wed Peter and Ann-marie over thirty-one years ago.

 

Peter was an active member of the RCYC from 1957 on - a serious racing sailor.  He held several offices within the club all with the aim of improving access to sailing and bettering the sport. He donated one of the earlier sip and puff sail boats to challenged sailors in Ontario.

 

Sailing was important to him and he loved sharing it, whether on Friday night races at the club or taking cousins Anne, husband Darcy and their brood, and Frances and Raoul to the North Channel. He loved the BVI where the winds blew constantly, and the sails were kept well-trimmed.

 

His last C&C, Ghost Owl, carried Peter and Ann-marie on a nine-month journey to the Bahamas and back. Their racing crew joined them for part of the return voyage. The joy of the adventure was the people they met, the friendships created and the value of being together, sailing.

 

He and his wife loved both travelling and family and made an effort to connect with family in England, Wales and Scotland on a regular basis. They also enjoyed a wonderful small ship voyage around the world to welcome in the year 2000. What an experience that was, learning all the different cultures, foods, dances, customs and economies that were encountered during those five and one-half months. 

 

Special thanks must be given to Beatriz Lourdes Quitilen and her family for the comforting support given to Peter those last three days. It is a privilege to recognize their help. Dr. Theo Corpus and Erin the Palliative Care nurse must also be mentioned for the time and solace they gave.

 

A private family funeral has taken place. A celebration of Peter’s life will be held when restrictions are lifted. A donation to a charity of your choice or one mentioned herein would always be appreciated. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

 

© 2021 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.