HEATHCOTE, Peter Desmond – December 25, 1928 – October 6, 2022 Peter passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Dear husband of Heather, father to Catherine Heathcote (Larry), Jenifer Robertson (Michael), Julia Heathcote (Dave), Simon Heathcote; grandfather to Jill, Jon, Sarah, Kyle, Pamela, Farrah, Layah; and six great-grandchildren. He was a loving step-father to Allison Johnson and Morgan Bradnam (Tom) and step-grandfather to her sons, Rowen and Charlie. Peter was predeceased by his second wife Marjorie in 1999. He is also remembered by his first wife June MacLeod.
Peter was born in Madras, India and raised in Podanur by his paternal grandparents and extended family; his mother died of tuberculosis when he was four. He began boarding school at age 8—first attending Breeks Memorial School, in the Ooty Region and later Bishop Cotton School in Bangalore. He formed lifelong friendships at these schools. At Bishop Cotton School he was awarded the Kothavala Cup (1946) for “The best all-rounder in all departments of school life and work” and he was described in his school leaving certificate as “a thorough gentleman in all respects”.
He emigrated to London, England shortly before India’s Partition in 1947, and moved to Montreal, Canada in 1957; his young family joined him there in 1958. He worked for Bell Canada in Montreal, Ottawa and London, Ontario. Peter retired in the 1980s and raised his second family in North London where he lived for over 40 years. His smile will be sorely missed by family and friends alike.
An avid sportsperson all his life, he organized ski trips in the winter and spent time on the tennis courts in the summer. Family and friends of all ages remember his legendary New Year’s Eve parties. Dressed in his vintage tux, and offering martinis from a silver tray, Peter was the consummate host. Cheers to a life well-lived with grace and style. To this charming, thoughtful gentleman, we bid adieu.
We hope to meet at the big ski hill in the sky.
Special thanks to Dr. Hamilton and his Team, Nurse Ros (Paramed), and PSW’s Mike (CBI), Mercedes, Mary, Jamie, Betty and Vencotte (VON eshift Team). Each of you gave Peter such kind, tender and generous care—Thank you.
The funeral service will be conducted at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James Street at Richmond on Thursday, October 13 at 12 noon. Visitation preceding the service on Thursday from 11 am to 12 noon. Interment Woodland Cemetery. To join the service online, please email your request for a Zoom link to info@harrisfuneralhome.ca
Memorial contributions to the VON would be appreciated.