Peter Francis Dunham

Dearly beloved husband of Anne (predeceased Jan 25., 2016), and loving father of Claire (Peter), John, and Elizabeth (Michael). Predeceased by his sons Gregory and Adrian. Survived by grandchildren Malcolm, Kyle, Ryder, and Ella, and great-grandsons Keegan and Kayce. He was the dear brother of Tony, Mary, Michael, Phillip, Stephen, Bridget, Ann, and Helen, all predeceased.

Peter was born in Watford, England, on September 28, 1927. He enlisted in the British Army towards the end of the Second World and served in Africa as a Captain until he was seriously injured by a grenade blast in 1949.

Peter met his future life partner Anne (nee Osborne) while they were both acting in the Kings Langley Players in Watford. Anne and Peter married and emigrated to Canada in 1953 joining Peter’s older brother Tony and his wife Chris in Guelph, Ontario where they lived most of their lives except for a few years in Acton, and Campbellville, just outside of Guelph.

Soon after arriving in Canada, Peter began working for Beardmore & Co. in Acton, at one time the largest tannery in the British Empire. He started in the office and rose to become General Sales Manager, and eventually, President and General Manager. Peter travelled extensively for Beardmore, visiting clients throughout Europe and the Caribbean as well as in parts of Asia. He travelled to the Soviet Union, Cuba, and China long before those countries opened to the west, eventually retiring in 1984.

In Guelph, Peter continued his love of acting with both the Guelph Little Theatre and the Guelph Light Opera Company where he appeared in a number of productions including ‘Gigi’, ‘Guys and Dolls’, ‘Oh! What a Lovely War’, and ‘The Making of Moo.’ Besides singing in these productions, Peter also sang in the choir at Holy Rosary Church for many years.

An avid lover of many sports, Peter played cricket at the University of Guelph when he first arrived in Canada, and played tennis and badminton well into his 70’s and 80’s.’

There will be no viewing or service but there will be a brief interment ceremony at Our Lady Immaculate Mausoleum in Marymount Cemetery, Guelph, where Peter will be interred beside his loving wife Anne. A memorial will be held for friends and family later this year.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice Wellington would be greatly appreciated by the family.