Peter Joseph Herbert passed away peacefully at home in Edmonton, Alberta, on Saturday, May 16. Born on September 16, 1943, he grew up in Toronto, Ontario, where he met his wife and married in 1971. During his lifetime, he maintained a close relationship with many school friends, joining some of them for the grand tour of Europe and the Middle East in the 1960’s. Peter was a Queen’s Scout, and had an enduring love of nature and the outdoors, with a particular interest in fishing and bird watching.
Peter lived for several years in Hymers, Ontario, before moving with his family into Thunder Bay. He coached Little League baseball in Westfort, and worked as a real estate agent. In 2016, Peter and his wife moved to Edmonton to be closer to family that settled out west. Wherever he put down roots, his gentleness and quality of character would build lasting friendships. Peter was a generous, compassionate, charming person who found joy in helping others and supporting local charities. His incredible sense of wit, humour and infectious laugh could bring a room together.
Peter is survived by his loving wife, Lynne, children Amanda (Ryan) and Joseph (Diana), son-in-law, Eugene Conrad and six grandchildren (Jackson, Alexander, Avery, Maya, Audrey, Emily), whom he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Dorothy Herbert, and beloved daughter Sarah.
Peter’s cremation has taken place and there will be no public service due to the current pandemic situation. Instead, we ask anyone who feels the need to write a condolence message on the online obituary.
If you wish, a donation in Peter’s name to your local food bank or soup kitchen would be greatly appreciated.
Aileen Heaney says
I had met Peter as a regular customer at the Starbucks in Thunder Bay. He was always the sweetest person to deal with as a customer. We shared some brief stories of our lives with each other. He would give kind, grandfatherly advice (wholesome in its own way, as I had lost my grandfather around first meeting Peter).
I am so sorry for your loss.
Laurie McLeod says
Dear Lynne and Family; I’m so sorry for your loss ❤️ I have many great memories while living in South Gillies with you as our lovely neighbours, playing Trivial Pursuit with the best of them and getting together at hall for some music and sometimes more games. I’m thinking of you all. Love, Laurie xo
Carol and Caitln Brooks says
Dear Amanda, Ryan and family. Very sad to hear about your dad. Nothing I can say will console you. Parents are hard to lose. Love to you all.
Hannah Guthrie says
Peter was one of my favourite faces to see while working at Starbucks. He truly was an amazing man. I am so sorry for your loss.
Joan Conrad says
Thinking of you and your family in this most troubling time. Our heartfelt condolances
Joan Conrad and the Conrad Family.
Tom Brook says
Peter was my brother-in-law and I always felt very close to him. No matter what mood I was in he always had a joke and a smile. He was lived by all his in-laws, nieces and nephews and he will be sorely missed.
Nicole Delaney says
When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. May you treasure all your memories of your Dad….
Love you all,
Nicole and Stephen Delaney
Rachel Globensky says
Lynne, Amanda, Joe, and families – I am so sad for all of you. Peter was such a kind, and big-hearted man. I’m going to miss his bright smile, quick humour, his wise advice, and his infectious giggle. I imagine he and Sarah are having a cuppa and a good laugh. Love you Herberts ♥️
Kevin McCallum says
Sorry for the loss. Peter was my Little League coach and someone I was always excited to see.
Susan Brooks says
We were sorry to hear of your loss. It is so hard to lose a Dad. You have been so enriched by the wonderful life he lived.
It is more challenging to lose someone, when we can’t have closure at this time. We are sorry for that time lost with family to grieve together.
We send our love.
Rich and Susan Brooks
Valerie S Harlton says
Amanda, such a sad time for you and your family. We so enjoyed spending time with your folks when we could, and are sending our love and prayers to you, Lynn and Joey. He will be missed by so many.
Paulette Hucul says
For some reason my thoughts go back in time to that house in Toronto–seven people, five cats and one dog. Daedalus making chewy toys out of shoes; everyone coming home from work and heading to the local pub as supper cooks; porcupine meatballs slightly undercooked; Thanksgiving leftovers being unexpected consumed by those wayward cats and dog; good times shared and not forgotten. Peter, you are missed and fondly remember by everyone who knew you.
Rik and I send our condolences and heartfelt sympathy to Lynne and all your family as they grieve your loss. Rest in Peace, Old Friend.
Shelly Crack says
I have fond memories of Peter and his family at Oliver Lake swimming, water skiing and playing. I know Denny will have a warm welcome from the other side. Love from Shelly and family on Haida Gwaii
Patty Roy says
Lynne, please accept my sympathy on the loss of your dear husband. You will have wonderful memories and a close family to help you through this time.
Terry Andony says
I am so sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. I met him when we worked together at Sutton Group Realty in Thunder Bay in the mid 1990’s. He was an honest hard worker in real estate and respected by his peers and clients alike. We had good times together at the office and going for coffee. I used to see him at the Blues Fest here in town as well. Condolences to you and your family, Lynn.
Barb Fortin says
Dear Lynn, Mandy, Joe and families,
You were so sad to hear this morning of Peter’s passing. He was a special guy, we will always remember Peters great laugh and how he would find a delight in the funny things that happen in life. We have such wonderful memories of get together with your family, the Crack’s, the Olscamp’s, The Evans and Jack Stapleton. It was a great time to be living in the country with such good friends, who were always there for each other, in good times and hard times. We wish you all love and peace.
Thinking of you,
Barb “Spooner”, Maurice, Nicole & Matthew Fortin
Eleanor Godin says
It was in grade 7 or 8 that Pete excitedly told me he was getting white PF Flyers for Xmas. He knew because he had secretly opened and carefully rewrapped a gift under the Xmas tree at his home. Thinking that was a great idea, I went home and decided to do like wise. On Xmas day, I really regretted opening my gifts ahead of time and vowed never to do that again. Over the years, I have retold this story countless times and reminded Pete of his white PF Flyers whenever an occasion presented itself. They are still available online should you wish to have a pair. Wear them proudly in memory of Pete a unique individual who will be missed by many across the country. Sincere condolences to Lynne, family and friends.
Eleanor Syme Godin
Kathy Berardi says
Dear Lynn and Family
We are so sorry for your loss. You have our deepest sympathy and are in our thoughts and prayers.
Your loving former next door neighbors, from Thunder Bay, Ford St. Bob and Kathy
Pamela Roy says
My condolences to your family. Lynn, Amanda and Joseph, I’m very sorry for your loss.
Pam (Woodbeck) Roy
Penny smith says
Such a delight to meet Peter and you, Lynne, very special caring people. I hope your beautiful shared love and memories will bring you solace. Shannon joins me in sending our sincere condolences.
Penny Smith
Willport Realty Limited says
Peter was a good salesperson with a great personality .We enjoyed our relationship .Willport realty and staff thunder bay
Doreen & Harry Sitch says
We offer our condolences to Peter’s survivors. Peter lives on in the hearts and minds of all those whose lives he touched.
Jenn Bain says
Dear Mrs. Herbert, Amanda, Joe & families.
Sincerely sorry to hear of Mr. Herbert’s passing. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
With love and sympathy, Jenn
Bob Kotyk says
Our deepest condolences to lynne and Peter’s family. Your loss is especially difficult during these unprecedented times. Peter will be greatly missed.
Peter and I first met in at Humberside Collegiate in Toronto in the late 50s and were friends ever since. My wife Anne met him when he first visited us and he quickly became one of her favourites of all my school friends.
Whether getting a hair trim from him and his much vaunted handy trimmer in Spain (it didn’t turn out well) or sharing a cave on the south coast of Crete, Peter was always there with a sardonic quip or wry comment. And although we had been in touch only a few times a year in the last decades, I will miss our chats filled with his good humour.
Rest in peace dear friend.
Bob Kotyk
Majada says
Peter was so very special to all of us at Miller Starbucks, in Edmonton. I became great friends with him, exchanging gifts and cards all the time. I will miss him so deeply and my sincerest condolences to the family. Peter was so so so loved.
Majada