Obituary for Peter Garfield Kemp
Peter passed away at his home in Ottawa, Ontario, on December 11, 2019. Born in Hamilton, Ontario, on the October 17, 1954, Peter spent his formative years in Arvida and Senneville, Quebec, before moving to Ottawa in 1969. Peter studied Economics and Politics at Queen’s University, graduating with a BA in 1975 and received an MBA from the University of Western Ontario in 1977. He joined the public service in 1977 and worked at the Canadian International Development Agency from 1978 until his retirement in 2009, including overseas postings to Pakistan (1984-1987), Ethiopia (1992-1995), and Bangladesh (1998-2000).
Peter had an enduring love for boats and sailing which was reflected throughout his life. He was active in the Naval Reserves (1973-1978) and made sailing a focal point for his retirement. He had a strong passion for the outdoors, including involvement with Scouts Canada and the co-founding of Ottawa’s Coureurs de Bois paddling club in 1980. He was also an avid cyclist and cross-country skier. Peter had a passion for social justice, manifested by his volunteer work with organizations such as Centre 7 Out of the Cold Suppers and the Hospice at May Court. He was a voracious reader with a remarkable ability to retain information; always ready to share an obscure piece of knowledge. His passionate stories of overseas adventures and inexhaustible supply of witty comments will be greatly missed.
Peter is predeceased by his wife Wendy Earl and his parents Margaret (née Powell) and Garry [Robert]. He is survived by his children Jeffrey (Hester) and Alison, second wife Barbara Hennessy (née Bisson) and her sons Michael and Kevin, sister Merelie (John), niece Holden (Carolyn), granddaughter Petra, and mother-in-law Orma Earl (née Acres).
The family would like to thank our neighbours in Old Ottawa South, the congregation at Southminster United Church and the many friends and caregivers for their ongoing support throughout his illness. Friends are invited to visit at Southminster United Church (15 Aylmer Ave, Ottawa) on Friday january 10, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm. A memorial service and reception will be held at Southminster United Church at 11:00am, on Saturday, January 11, 2020. Interment at Springhill Cemetery will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada or UNHCR would be appreciated.
Peter had an enduring love for boats and sailing which was reflected throughout his life. He was active in the Naval Reserves (1973-1978) and made sailing a focal point for his retirement. He had a strong passion for the outdoors, including involvement with Scouts Canada and the co-founding of Ottawa’s Coureurs de Bois paddling club in 1980. He was also an avid cyclist and cross-country skier. Peter had a passion for social justice, manifested by his volunteer work with organizations such as Centre 7 Out of the Cold Suppers and the Hospice at May Court. He was a voracious reader with a remarkable ability to retain information; always ready to share an obscure piece of knowledge. His passionate stories of overseas adventures and inexhaustible supply of witty comments will be greatly missed.
Peter is predeceased by his wife Wendy Earl and his parents Margaret (née Powell) and Garry [Robert]. He is survived by his children Jeffrey (Hester) and Alison, second wife Barbara Hennessy (née Bisson) and her sons Michael and Kevin, sister Merelie (John), niece Holden (Carolyn), granddaughter Petra, and mother-in-law Orma Earl (née Acres).
The family would like to thank our neighbours in Old Ottawa South, the congregation at Southminster United Church and the many friends and caregivers for their ongoing support throughout his illness. Friends are invited to visit at Southminster United Church (15 Aylmer Ave, Ottawa) on Friday january 10, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm. A memorial service and reception will be held at Southminster United Church at 11:00am, on Saturday, January 11, 2020. Interment at Springhill Cemetery will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada or UNHCR would be appreciated.