Peter Inokai

In deepest grief are Beatrice, his loving wife of 55 years, his loving daughters Krystina and Katalin (Heath) and adoring grandchildren Gabriel (Sydney), Veronica and Harrison. He will be sorely missed by brothers Koppány (Ildiko) and Csaba (Anne), sister-in-law Tamara Johnson, (Michel), nephews Thomas Inokai, Nicholas (Lina) and Alexander Johnson and his many close friends, including those from his "OPS family".

Born in Miltach, Germany, Peter emigrated to Canada with his family at age 5. Following graduation from St. Michael's College School, he obtained an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Toronto and a Master of Arts Degree in Canadian Studies from Carleton University, in Ottawa.

Peter’s love of life, learning, and people crafted an enormous, multi-faceted legacy.

He was a solo dancer and choreographer, a brilliant strategist and administrator in government, a passionate community leader, a devoted husband and father; and a free spirit who felt most at ease mountain climbing, kayaking, skiing or sailing.

Peter had an insatiable desire to acquire and share knowledge and beauty. In all aspects of life, he lived by principles and loved helping people. Whether this was expressed through one of his many ground-breaking initiatives in the Federal and Provincial Public Service, his cultural involvement in the Hungarian community, or sharing a sail on his favourite waters in Georgian Bay, his expertise and genuine enthusiasm was felt by all.

He was an incurable romantic and somehow made red roses appear for every occasion, even in his final days. He took pride and joy in his family, creating and taking every opportunity to enjoy his children and grandchildren who were his inspiration and strength throughout his life.

Peter was also a devoted member of St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. With deep and abiding faith and defiant spirit in the face of adversity, he placed his life in God's hands as he overcame a series of serious medical challenges, including Lymphoma, a hip replacement and by-pass surgery. In his final days, he thanked God for a rich and eventful life even as he knew that the pancreatic cancer, which took his life, would be insurmountable.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the doctors and their medical Teams at Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto General Hospital, Mackenzie Health Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital; the LHIN Care Coordinator and medical Team and his family doctor, Dr. Miklos Vilaghy, who all provided him great comfort, care and compassion in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Donations can also be made to Hungarian Scouts Toronto via the church. After personal information has been processed, kindly indicate ‘Peter Inokai, Parish’ or ‘Peter Inokai, Scouts’ based on your donation preference.

There will be a visitation on Friday June 16th, from 4-8pm at Kane-Jerrett Funeral Homes 6191 Yonge St., North York. Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, June 17th, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, 432 Sheppard Avenue East, North York.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kanejerrettnorthyork.ca for the Inokai family.