Cy Monkman

Peacefully, on Wednesday, January 4, 2017, at Peterborough Regional Health Centre in his 89th year. Beloved husband of the late Lois (née Enborg). Best friend of Josephine Mewett. Loving father of Drew Monkman (Michelle) and Eric Monkman (Elaine). Proud grandfather of Philippe (Christina), Julia (Alec), Sarah (Darin), Sophie, Laura (Nick) and Emily. Great-grandfather of Anouk, Juniper and Oscar. Sadly missed by Lyn Dallin and many other relatives and friends. Predeceased by his parents Gordon Monkman and Kate (née Robertshaw), his brother Gerald and Gerald's wife Megan (née Roberts). Born in Peterborough, Cy attended PCVS and was an avid skier, photographer and golfer. In 1948, he went to England where he learned the wool business. Upon his return, Cy worked at G.Whitaker & Co in Peterborough for nine years as a wool sorter and later as a sales representative. In 1958, he started his own insurance agency, which was to become Monkman, Gracie and Johnston Insurance Brokers, a legacy of which he was very proud. Cy was a member of Trinity United Church, the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough, the Peterborough Golf and Country Club, the former Bethany Ski Club, the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club and the Peterborough Historical Society. He was also on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Automobile Association. Cy and Lois enjoyed annual walking and genealogical research vacations to Yorkshire in England, ski holidays all over North America as well as golf holidays to Scotland and California. At home, Cy spent many hours compiling family history. His research led to the discovery of previously unknown relatives in the U.S.A., England, Australia and New Zealand. Family history and traditions were very important to Cy. Accordingly, he was always proud to present the Peterborough Mayor's Chain of Office after each election. His father, Gordon, had first purchased and presented the chain to the then Mayor Max Swanson in 1951. Cy compiled his lengthy genealogical research and photos in binders for the entire family, under the title “Yorkshire to Peterborough: Monkman Family History”. After Cy retired, he also spent several busy years researching and writing “A History of the Peterborough Ski Club”, which he self-published in book form. Full of photos of skiing’s bygone days in and around Peterborough, this was one of his proudest achievements. Cy was able to find wonderful companionship over the last three years of his life with Josephine Mewett, something for which he was extremely grateful. Thank you to all of the wonderful staff at Princess Gardens for treating Cy with kindness and dignity. A private family service has taken place. A public celebration of Cy’s life will be held on January 28, 2017 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. with tributes at 2:00 p.m. at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club, 1030 Armour Road, Peterborough. If so desired, donations in memory of Cy may be made to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to the Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre, 356 Rubidge Street. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockkaye.com