Peter Vanderwey

It is with heavy hearts and much love that the family of “Peter” Joseph Thomas Vanderwey announces his peaceful passing, surrounded by his wife – his lifelong friend of 61 years – and his family. Peter was born in Fort William, Ontario to parents Harry and Julia Vanderwey on January 2, 1936. Peter was loved by many; as a husband, father, grandfather, godfather, uncle, cousin, friend, and confidante. Peter will be remembered for his loving, gentle, kind, compassionate, unselfish demeanor and his unwavering faith.

In his early career, Peter worked for Barbini and Son as a mason/bricklayer. Eventually, he became a police officer with the Thunder Bay Police Department while creating his own business and continuing his craft of bricklaying. Peter had many interests such as making wine as well as venturing into product sales. While providing a service to his city as a police officer of 30+ years and retiring as a Sergeant, his entrepreneurial interest helped him to create opportunities with the goal of always supporting his family. Peter was very athletic from an early age. A lifeguard at Dease pool and high school athlete in many sports, he learned and realized that hockey was his passion. A very interesting fun fact to mention - in his early years and prior to his marriage, Peter was a defenseman for the Montreal Canadian Farm team. When he became a Dad, he carried his hockey passion as a coach and mentor to his two sons and many others who enjoyed the sport. During his time on the police force, he was voted MVP for a couple of years in a row playing defense on the City of Thunder Bay police team. Peter’s faith was the catalyst in creating and maintaining strong family values. From a Saint Patrick’s church altar boy to a dedicated parishioner and often lector at St Agnes Parish he honoured his roles completely and religiously. Peter was also an honorary member of the Knights of Columbus.

Peter is survived by his wife Diane and his children; sons, Mark (Lysanne) and Paul (Denise) and daughters, Jane (Bob) and Ruth (Kelly). He leaves behind his grandchildren, Eric, Danielle, Kyle, Graham, Taylor, and Carter; sisters, Verna and Marie; sisters-in-law Janice, Margaret, Deborah, and Joy and “adopted” sister Rose; and brothers-in-law Donald and Paul; as well as many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and -nephews.

Peter was predeceased by his father and mother Julia and Harry, brothers Tony, Gus, and Harry, sister Margaret and mother-in-law and father-in-law Frances and Nello, sisters-in-law Wilma, Shirley, and Verlene, brothers-in- law Bill and Arnold and niece Echo.

A very special thank you to Rev. James from Saint Agnes Church for his spiritual direction and visits as well as Dr. Shack and staff at Aurora for ensuring Peter’s personal health care was front and center. Also, thank you to the Bayshore staff for their service and a special shout out to those individuals who provided genuine care and compassion.

Peter’s wish for cremation has taken place, and a Mass in celebration of his life will take place on Tuesday, August 17th at 11:00am at St. Agnes Church. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to St. Vincent DePaul (through St. Agnes church) in Peter’s honour. Those wishing to view the service live-feed online may do so at the St. Agnes Parish facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/stagnesrc). Guests attending Mass in person are reminded that following Pandemic Protocols of mask wearing, social distancing and hand sanitizing is Mandatory for admittance.