Papa
To Elijah, he was his best friend. He always wanted to play with Papa, whenever he was around. Always “Papa, let's play cars” or “Papa, let's go outside.” Even when Elijah was too young to speak, he and Papa were always going around when they were together. I still remember the few times when Elijah was still a baby and Papa would take him on a tour of the kitchen at “The School”. He will always be missed.

Grandpa and I were two of the same person really. We never really said much to each other, but what we did was always straight to the point. As my parents would always say, we were men of many words. He was always the man I went to when I had tech/computer questions or needed a hand with any computer related things. Both of us vary much so into computers and tinkering with them.

the Loss of a Good Friend

All of Peter's friends at the wake last night shared many wonderful stories about him.

As you know Peter and I travelled hundreds of thousands of air miles together.  All the stewardess had to do to see that we were different was to see me reading a golf magazine and with Peter (of course) reading Scientific American.  Although we were different we had a love of family, wine and travel in common.  Many of the things I learned from Peter are life skills that I will  take with me for the rest of my life.

Two stories that I will always remember about Peter were around his ability to enjoy everyone's company and his love of the finer things in life........Both of these stories were from our travel to Los Angeles on our way to business meetings.

The first was when I was playing golf at a prestigious golf course, Rivera in LA.  It was a course that included members that were film people and movie stars.  Peter decided to join me but opted to stay in the clubhouse and read a book while I played.  When I returned to the clubhouse after the round I was greeted by Peter who informed me that he had met a lady's bridge club that befriended him while I was gone.  They took care of him getting him tea and cookies and enjoyed his company.  After that we wound up having a few refreshments with OJ Simpson's real estate agent and the Executive Producer of the Simpsons.  That was one interesting day.........all of the people loved their time with people and Peter loved his time with them.

Another time Peter and I stopped into the Beverly Hills Wilshire for dinner and afterwards went to the bar for a nice glass of port and a cigar (I had the cigar)!  The lady to Peter's right looked at Peter and let him know that she liked the smell of cigar and wondered what port Peter was enjoying.  Peter quite passionately told her about port, it's origins and gave her a little lesson about it.  After this the lady told Peter that she was bored and was attending a dinner that was quite boring and was enjoying her conversation with him.  Shortly afterwards she got up to go back to her event.  She introduced herself at that point telling him she was the wife of the Police Chief in Beverly Hills and the boring event was his retirement party!

When we travelled, interesting things always happened.  To this day I miss the days we travelled together.  I will always remember Pete on the golf course.  We even tried to teach him one time.  Peter was Peter........he would always take off his necktie, roll up his sleeves and then be ready to spend a day on the course.  Peter followed my son playing on numerous occasions and loved it.  Both my son and daughter call him "Uncle Peter" and miss him but remember that vision of Peter on the golf course and always smile fondly.

Peter, you are a good and faithful friend and I am proud to call you my friend and will miss you dearly.  Thanks for the time that you have shared with us.........God Bless You.

Brother Peter was born at home at Sunnyside in Lesmahagow,Scotland. Soon after hearing cries that were not mine, I realized that a little brother had come into the world and he could learn from my vast experience as I was three years older. For a few years that was easy, but gradually he became better, stronger and smarter in many respects. I recall that it was a little unsettling to be beaten at table tennis every single time by my brother.
After the years at school we went our separate ways. He continued to have good fortune, with a career in the computer business, marrying Avril and having two fine children, Philip and Anne. I am confident that his family and friends taught him much better than I.
As the years went by, the brother that you once saw daily you now saw infrequently, perhaps once a year. Yet Peter became more frequent in my thoughts and prayers and will remain so.
Now I can learn from him.

PETER MCLEAN NELSON ALEXANDER  COUTTS
A husband, brother, father, papa, grandfather , father-in-law,  friend , colleague… which ever word you choose he can be any one of these
But to me and our family he was a truly dedicated Family Man everything he had ever done was directly linked to and for the FAMILY
His career was one of dedication and commitment no matter where he was Ottawa/ Manitoba /Edmonton / Vancouver / South Africa or just here in Toronto .. he always worked hard  but always ensured his family came FIRST
I first met the family about 12 years ago and Nick and I went from strangers to family Members within minutes and anyone that know Peter & Avril they surely know what I am referring to 
Within weeks Peter became Papa to Nick and both Peter & Avril could not do enough for him or with him .. the three of them were a perfect match 
A quiet / reserved man and a wonderful sense of humor ….He always knew how to make anyone smile or smile 
A small example of Peter's humor was well received in November 2001 while he was speaking at Anne and my wedding .. he commented to all and I can still hear people laughing about his presentation that day:
Yes my daughter Anne went off to school.. then she came home after graduation … a short time later she chose to embark in education again… And away she went .. only to return after graduation … umm one would say that was enough But not for my daughter she decided to pursue education once again … this time to New York City ..her studies grew and Avril and I had an excuse to fly to NYC for tea…. 
Later that evening Peter pulled me aside to share some stern father-in- law advice . he said to me and I quote Ron : Anne is my daughter and now your wife .. I'm sorry but there is no warranty, return, or trade in --- Good Luck”  he said with that usual Light Up the Skies Peter SMILE
 Peter was a proud Father to both Phil and Anne and no matter what they chose to do or wish to do He was Always there beside them and giving them fatherly advice with a smile and a warm heart … Peter watched Anne grow to look just like her mother and always looked forward to sharing those weekly fatherly Talks with Phil on the front sidewalk or porch --- they each enjoyed the popsicles that went along with those chats
Over the years, it was a blessing to have Peter, Avril, and Uncle Puh (that would be Phil and another story goes with that nickname) join us in our home during those special occasion dinners like Christmas .. they never missed a one … I sometimes wonder to myself “did Peter always agree to drive out to Brooklin so he did not have to cook ?”
For those who know him that would be hardly likely as Peter loved to cook anytime any day .. Sometimes he would have JAZZ playing throughout the house or he would don his kitchen apron and put on his head phones while listening to PINK FLOYD
A Man of few words .. quiet and reserved  BUT mention race cars or Formula One  and Peter could give your ears a speech on what driver / team / sponsor/ and statistical information any day of any RACE around the world
And to Watch Elijah and Papa play on hands and knees was a great Sunday afternoon of entertainment … because if the formula One cars were not on the track that day Hot Wheel Cars were surely crashing everywhere in the Coutts home …. I still don't know how Avril accepted that….
Then there were the day trips with Nick to the ROM or Science Centre or the Ballet .. yeah my boy cultured at a young young age …….. But if you listen to Nick the best part of these outings was the Basket O Fries at Ruth Chris …. Yeah and to think that a 10 year old boy / my son got to eat at Ruth Chris before his own father ….. Just another sign of what Papas Grandsons meant to HIM !
The other day someone said to Avril …. I just don't know anyone who calls a restaurant to tell them when someone is sick … Just Shows you how important friends are --- yes the owners and staff at both the School and Peters Place are part of our extended family 
I know we will all miss Peter but I believe that no matter what the future brings to us PETER COUTTS / DAD/ and PAPA will always be close by 
We will miss you a LOT Peter

Peter had the respect of all his collegues and customers alike.  He was the heart and soul of Sperry's culture with his work ethic and sense of humour.  I have very fond memories of working with Peter with numerous successful outcomes.  We have lost a true legend.

Ian Middleton

It was sad to learn that Peter has left us. While I haven't seen him since he retired, Peter is very much alive in my memory for the humour and wisdom imparted over a scotch or two!

I met Peter in 1967 when I joined Univac at the Bay Street Office. It didn't take long to realize what a unique person he was. Smart, friendly, a straight shooter with a terrific sense of humour. Imagine, if you can, a Univac 1050, a 9200 and a 9300 computer. Heady days. Peter was our 1100 expert. Then off to Africa we went to open up Univac South Africa and what a year it was. Tumultuous to say the least. Peter was a steady friend throughout it all. 5AM saw us driving in to 40 DeBeer Street to fire up the coffee machine and spend a few sane moments together each morning, then lunch at the Saddle Inn and occasionally a dinner at La Bella Napoli. Back in Canada we were together again at the Square One offices. Oh, those lunches at the Flame Steakhouse. A special week which I will remember with fondness was our canoe trip to Killarney Park. Lots of fun. Peter remained a loyal friend and it was always a joy to talk with him. Nothing but good things to remember about Peter. We have lost a good man. My heartfelt condolences to Avril and family.

Dear Avril, Phillip, and Anne. It was with great sadness I heard of Peter's passing. I was honoured to be able to work with such a dedicated and brillaint individual. Truely sorry for your loss.

Dear Anne & family,

I was saddened to learn of the passing of your father.  I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

I knew Peter for over 20 yrs at Sperry & Unisys. With his wit and knowledge, working with him was always a pleasure. May God bless you all and give you strength at this sad time. Una Findlay (Keswick, Ontario)

I am so sorry to hear of Peter's passing.  I hold you in prayer. 
Jackie van't Voort. Toronto

We were all saddened to hear of Peter's passing. I enjoyed working with Peter he was always around to help you and get the job done. May the memories that you hold dear to your heart, comfort and strengthen you in your time of sorrow. Sophie Pappas (Markham, Ontario)

Peter will be fondly remembered by so many at Unisys/Sperry.  He was a true gentlemen and a mentor to 
so many.

May the knowledge that he is in the thoughts and prayers of many people bring you comfort at this time.

Dear Avril and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. may God be your strength at this sad time. Bill & Rita

Phil. So sad to hear of your Dad's passing.  I know he was big influence on you, and you truly respected him.  My condolences to your Mom and the rest of the family.  My thoughts are with you tonight.  ....Daryl.

Phil, Anne, Avril... so sorry for your loss. You are all in our prayers.

To the entire Coutts family, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to you on the loss of Peter.

I had the privilege and pleasure of working with Peter at Sperry in the early 1980s, and he was truly an inspiration to all who came in contact with him.

Being an "early bird" just like Peter, I would spend many early-morning mentoring sessions at his desk, when I am sure that he would have rather have been doing other fun things (like busting "dumps"), however he would always patiently listen to my tales of woe, and offer pertinent technical advice which helped me greatly in my career, and with my interaction with our customers.

Peter's keen sense of humour made just being around him a pleasure, and often made what was very serious work, seem more like fun.

There are several hundred friends, colleagues, and customers who join you at this time in mourning the loss of a truly "great guy".

Please try to focus on all of the fun times that you spent with Peter throughout his life, to help you through this most difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

May Peter rest in peace.

Sincerely

I had the honour of working with Peter over several years.  He was a champion in my mind and will be missed by family, friends and colleagues alike.  
Please extend my sincere condolences to the family on their loss.

Peter was the consumate hardworking professional and a wonderful employee - he loved his family and friends and will be very much missed.

Peter was a great person. Very smart, hard working and a great sense of humor. I had not seen for Peter for a long time but I still remember all of the great lunches that Sandy Allinson and I had with him in the late 70s and early 1980s.
Ron Norman

Dear Avril, Philip, Anne and family, I was so very saddened to hear of Peter's passing. I joined Sperry as a 19 year old kid still wet behind the ears and working with Peter was a huge delight for me. He always exhibited endless patience, great insights and above all a wonderful sense of humor. I only worked directly with Peter for a few years however he always remained in my thoughts as a real prince of a man; he will be missed by all who knew him. Nina and I want to extend to you our deepest sympathies at this most difficult time.

When it came to creditable and smart  -Peters name was in the Sperry Dictionary. All the sales guys loved to have Peter on their team. Great guy many great fun times.  The world learned a lot from this guy.

When I think of Peter, there will always be music playing. Whether Pink Floyd or Pat Metheny or various points in between...those concerts with the Coutts were wonderful. I will miss Peter. Love and sympathies to Avril and family

As a Unisys customer, I met with Peter many times and hung out with him at several UNITE conferences.  I always found him to be honest, dedicated, humorous (dry variety), knowledgable, and friendly.  He was a "Univac guy" whom I liked and respected tremendously.  I am sad today.  My deepest sympathy to his family.

I've seldom met a man so universally trusted and liked by his co-workers. Peter was a great computer guy and a great human being. Everyone respected him but it was our customers who loved him most deeply. He knew his stuff and always told it to them straight. Knowing him was a gift.

I am sorry for your loss.  I had the privilege of working with Peter both as a customer and later as a colleague at Unisys.    Peter was known for always telling things as they were and was widely respected by all.

It has been many years since I worked with Peter at Unisys but I still remember him fondly and am saddened for his friends and family who have lost such a sweet man.  My prayers go out to you Avril, Anne and Philip.

Dear Avril, Philip, Anne and family, I was very saddened to hear of Peter's death yesterday. I had the priviledge of knowing and working with him for many years for Unisys at our customer HRDC in Hull, and shared an office with him there. He was a very kind, caring and funny guy. May good memories help you through this difficult time.

John Kok, Rockland

I was saddened to hear of Peter's sudden passing. I enjoyed working with Peter and being in the ajoining cubicle at head office we had some great conversations over the years.

Dear Avril, We were so very sorry to hear of Peter's passing.  We have such fond memories of working with him in Ottawa.  He was such a gentleman and we missed him when he left.  Our sincerest condolances.  Rosanne & Les

Peter was a smart hard working colleague that you could always count on to get the job done. I worked for years with Peter at Sperry & Unisys and always enjoyed his keen mind, dry sense of humour and his dedication to whatever challenge he faced. A great friend and wonderful person, Peter will be missed.

David Wagner

Such a wonderful man and friend.  So many happy memories working with Peter at Sperry.  He always made work fun with his great sense of humour.  He is sadly missed.

OBITUARY

Peter Coutts

April 30, 1939 – May 23, 2012

Giffen-Mack Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

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