Dr. Peter Willcock

Passed away peacefully at home after a long valiant battle with cancer at the age of 84. Loving husband of Marguerite and father to Mark (Jennifer) and Dave (Vicki). He will be sadly missed by seven grandchildren, Ian, Ben, Delaney, Jude, Janella, Eliza, and Jonas.

Son of the late Dulcie and Harold Willcock. He is survived by his brother, Keith.

Peter grew up in Ipswich, England where he often got into mischief. He later delighted in telling his children stories of hair raising adventures and stunts, which often didn’t go over well with his parents. As a teenager, Peter, immigrated to Nova Scotia, Canada in 1952, with his brother, and parents landing at Pier 21 in Halifax.

Residing in Dartmouth, NS, Peter went to Dalhousie University where he received his undergraduate and then Nova Scotia Tech for his Masters degree in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he moved to Saint John, NB working for New Brunswick Telephone for several years.

It was during those Saint John years that he met the love of his life, Marguerite Kennedy, a pastor’s daughter. They were married in 1965 then moved to Fredericton, NB where Peter taught Electrical Engineering at UNB for several years. From there, they moved to Ottawa where he attended Carleton University, obtaining his PhD in Electrical Engineering in 1973. Peter then worked for Bell Northern Research (BNR) which eventually became Nortel, retiring from there in 1997. He and Marguerite spent part of their retirement in Carleton Place, ON where they made good friends then moved to Kitchener, in 2013 to be closer to family.

Although Peter was successful in his career, he was passionate about music. An accomplished organist and pianist, he was involved in music and worship ministry for much of his life.

For 25 plus years, he sang in the Gospel Lighthouse Quartet, which toured the Ottawa Valley and Quebec, as well as recorded numerous albums. He played organ and piano at church, often leading the worship ministry in later years.

Peter faithfully served his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ over his entire life, whatever city he lived in. He was Director of AWANA for over ten years at their church in Ottawa, while his sons were young. He led bible studies up into his 80’s until he wasn’t able anymore.

Although a quiet man, Peter loved his family and grandchildren. A handyman, one of the ways he expressed his love was renovating the family house to become a home. He later helped his sons with their own projects and renovations.

He and Marguerite travelled to Minnesota, USA to visit Dave and family for many years. When he could, he attended numerous basketball games, piano recitals and school Grandparent days and activities, on both sides of the border.

Peter spent his life helping others and volunteering at long term care facilities, most recently running chapel services at Forest Heights Long Term Care Home. He also was involved with a conversational ESL group, helping newcomers learn English. He and Marguerite also volunteered at Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes for many years.

Peter enjoyed good friendships over the years, making friends in each of the cities he lived.

Peter was a devoted and loving husband, father, son, neighbour, and friend who will be missed by everyone who knew him.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hubay and Dr. Glick, who cared for Peter at the Grand River Cancer Clinic, and his Palliative Care Team, nurses and PSW’s. They would also like to thank Dr. Lana Tan, his Palliative Care doctor.

Family will receive friends for visitation from 10-11am, followed by a memorial service at 11am, at Westmount Memorial Celebration Centre, 1001 Ottawa St. S., Kitchener, (519-743-8900), on March 31, 2023. Interment and lunch to follow. To join the service live please visit https://fweb.tv/98831

If desired, memorial contributions to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Personal condolences may be sent and viewed at www.westmountfuneralchapel.com