Obituary: Peter Haskey – May 13, 2023

With heavy hearts and wonderful memories, we share the passing of our dear dad, grampa and uncle.

Peter was the youngest member of the Haskey family and is predeceased by his siblings: Mary, Natalie, Nicholas, Annie, Paul Peter, Stella, Paul George, Anne, John and William. He will be deeply missed by his daughters Barbara (Peter) Duncan and Lynne (Haruo) Abe, along with his five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Peter was a special uncle to Maria and Paola di Paolo.

Peter lived his life fully and with intent. Family came first, followed by his devotion to his dog Lexi, his faith and his community. During his working years, Peter left his mark on the downtown Toronto skyline as a commercial sheet metal mechanic. A family camping trip brought him to Southampton in 1968, where he fell in love with the beautiful lakeside town and ultimately retired there in 2003. His retirement in Southampton offered many opportunities to befriend the local community. As a volunteer with the Marine Heritage Society, Peter was involved in the restoration of Chantry Island. He channeled his passion for gardening into grounds enhancement at Pioneer Park and numerous other gardens around town, including those at St. Patrick’s Church.

To his family, Peter was famous for many things: the best football plays on the beach, the greenest lawn on the block, teaching his daughters they could do anything boys could do, JUMBLE conqueror, handyman extraordinaire and die-hard Toronto sports fan. To his grandchildren, a special part of every summer was spending time with grampa in Southampton: Gerry’s fries and petanque on the beach, sunsets and ice cream at the flagpole, building forts and boats from cardboard boxes, go carts and Tim Hortons treats and, of course, grampa’s favourite sayings. To his friends, Peter gave freely of his time and his talents, never expecting anything in return. And to children in need, Peter was a generous benefactor.

Peter led an exceptional life. He leaves a legacy of love, a principled work ethic, an emphasis on having fun and on giving back.  We are grateful for him.

Visitation at the Eagleson Funeral Home, Southampton on Wednesday May 17th, 2023 from 4pm to 7pm. A funeral mass will follow at St. Patrick’s Church, Southampton on May 18th, 2023 at 11am, with burial and reception afterward.

For those wishing to honour Peter’s memory, please consider a donation to the Marine Heritage Society or Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation, both located in Southampton, Ontario.