Peter Takaji Nunoda

After a brief illness, we announce the death of Peter Takaji Nunoda on May 29, 2023 at the age of 64. He is survived by his spouse, Joanne; his children, Erin, Emily, and Ethan; his brother Steven, his spouse, Katy, and their children, Madeline and Sam; and his aunts, Rita and Nana. He is predeceased by his parents, Robert and Naomi and his aunt, Ida.

Peter Takaji Nunoda was born in St. Joseph’s Hospital in London, Ontario on May 2, 1959 to Robert and Naomi Nunoda, and was followed by his brother, Steven. In 1985, he married his wife Joanne, and in the following years, they had three children: Erin, Emily, and Ethan. He was very proud of the accomplishments of his children: Erin received her PhD from the University of Toronto in 2023, Emily graduated from the Science Laboratory Technology program at Red River College in 2020, and she completed the Medical Laboratory Assistant program at Red Deer Polytechnic in 2022, and Ethan received his BA from Western University in 2022.

He attended Hillcrest Elementary School and Montcalm High School. Throughout his life, he was involved in competitive sports, participating in judo, baseball, basketball, and golf. However, although he never learned to ice skate, his true passion was the Toronto Maple Leafs, and he never missed a game. He also loved music: in addition to being a huge fan of classic rock and singer-songwriters, he sang with a group called the Peace of Mind singers in high school, he completed eighth grade of piano studies, and he would play carols at parties every Christmas. In his spare time, he built model trains, made amazing food on the barbeque, and was an avid viewer of British crime dramas.

He started his academic career at the University of Western Ontario, obtaining an Honours BA in History. He followed this with a MA in History at the University of Windsor and a PhD in History at the University of Manitoba in 1991.

He was an instructor in the Departments of History and Native Studies for 12 years at the University of Manitoba, where he conducted research projects on various topics, including Aboriginal health education and Aboriginal student retention. His expertise in Aboriginal health has led him to an international position with the Indigenous Health Unity at James Cook University in Australia. He served as the Program Director for Aboriginal Focus Programs from 2000-2002 and Director of Access Programs for the next five years at the University of Manitoba. From 2007-11, he was the Dean of the Faculty of Health at the University College of the North. Then, he served as Vice President, Academic and Research at Northern Lights College for three years. Under his guidance, domestic enrolment grew 3% and the number of international students skyrocketed 75% at NLC through a Strategic Enrolment Management Plan.

Peter was a big proponent of collaborating and connecting with the communities he worked in. From 2014-19, he served as the President of Vancouver Community College. Under his leadership, VCC joined with Central City Foundation to host Fair in the Square, connecting with 3000 community members at a festival of food, music, and activities. In partnership with Vancouver Trolley Company and with funding from Telus, the VCC Dental Clinic hosted Tooth Trolley for pre-registered children and their families, providing free dental exams, seminars, and fun activities. Through his work, he was able to travel the world, visiting Australia, China, Ireland, South Korea, and many parts of the United States. He in ended his career in academic administration as the Executive Director of Manitoba Building Trades Institute. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there, finding the work stimulating and tremendously appreciating the support of his colleagues.

Peter was a brilliant conversationalist, was always non-judgemental, and never seemed out of place. He was loyal to his friends and was beloved by his colleagues. He adored spending time with his family, building incredible memories, both on vacations (including road trips) and with every day running jokes.

He was loved and admired by many, and is gone too soon.

A visitation will be held on June 5, 2023 from 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, and a service will be held on June 7 at 10:00 AM, with reception to follow. To join the service online, select Join Livestream below.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Nunoda family.