Obituary
It is with broken hearts we announce the unexpected passing of Peter on July 12th, 2022, while carrying out his dream of crossing our beautiful country on his motorcycle. After a peaceful day of riding in the sun along Lake Superior and enjoying what he described as the best hamburger he had ever eaten, so happy and content, – he was called home to heaven – at the end of a perfect day.
Born October 2, 1949, in Saint John, NB, Peter was the son of the late Joseph Amédée and Helen Elizabeth (Dwyer) Chouinard. Peter is survived by his children Sarah Elizabeth Chouinard-Horne (Steve) and Jonathan Peter Chouinard (Ally) who all live close by each other in Willow Grove, NB, whom he was so very proud of and loved so very much; his brother, Vernon Adrian Chouinard (and the late Patricia) of Saint John. Peter was loved very much by his two special Granddaughters, Maddy Gray and Tiarra Chouinard-Horne whom he absolutely adored and treasured his time with. He is also survived by his nephews Craig, Brent, and Kris as well as his nieces Lisa, Krista, Jill, Katie, Becky, and Melissa, along with many first cousins (52!). Also, a big part of Peter’s life were his sisters-in-law Kandy Lawson (Kevin) and Jane MacCollum (Scott) and his brother-in-law Tom Butler who he had a special bond with.
In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his best friend and loving wife of 42 years, Terri (Theresa Mason) Chouinard, infant brother Joseph William (at birth), his sisters Mary Martha Butler (Tom) and Anita Carmel Hooper (as well as her husband Bill).
Peter was a graduate of Simonds High School, Student Council President of 1969 and worked in several different careers. His first was at Revenue Canada Taxation before entering into business with his father and brother at ‘Cabinet’s by Chouinard’s’ which they operated successfully for 15 years. Following this Peter worked at Saint John Ship Building where he was the President of the Carpenters Union Local 840, finishing his career at Kent Building Supplies in Management then a Kitchen Designer.
Peter made a Catholic Cursillo Weekend that led to him volunteering with this movement for over a decade. He was a 1996 graduate of the Saint John Catholic Diocese Two-year Lay Pastoral Ministry Program and following his retirement, Peter completed a two-year Spiritual Companioning Program with the Atlantic Association of Spiritual Exercises Apostolate and was a faithful prayer companion to those he ministered with, holding them all close to his heart.
Peter was also a member of the Worldwide Christian Life Community since 2000 and a dedicated member of Earthen Vessel CLC, a group that he and Terri so dearly loved. He was a natural leader and selfless giver demonstrated by his many roles he had in life – a past President of CLC Canada, Past Regional Treasurer and Past Regional Coordinator of CLC Atlantic Region, the founding Grand Knight of the Father Joseph A Hannebery Knights of Columbus Council #11201 and the first President of the Habitat for Humanity Saint John. A lifelong member of St. Joseph’s Parish Loch Lomond, over the decades Peter served as a Eucharistic Minister, a Minister of the Word as well as holding leadership roles in the Parish Council and Finance Committee.
Peter was a truly gifted cabinet maker and woodworker extraordinaire and loved crafting things with his hands – a love that was instilled in him from an early age by his father. A skilled craftsman, he paid attention to detail and had a beautiful mind for design. He also had a passion for working on burls revealing the inner beauty of Gods creations. Peter will be remembered for the many beautiful Sanctuary furnishings that he commissioned over the years, especially The Saint John Regional Hospital All Faith Chapel, Villa Madonna Retreat House, Ruth Ross Chapel, St. Peters, St. Joseph’s, and St. Williams Churches. Recently Peter began making cutting boards as gifts for people close to him, items that will be cherished forever – but don’t forget he wants you to use them, they are not for decoration he would say! His work can also be seen in almost every corner of Long Bay Brewery, something he was very proud of.
Peter was the type of person who left an impression with everyone he met. He often greeted people with hugs, and he loved to laugh. He so loved living on the lake, and spending time in nature and with God and his family. He was passionate about so many things and very generous and giving of his time to help others. He had a remarkably deep faith, and while our hearts are heavy that he is no longer here on this earth, it brings us some peace to know that he is back together with his best friend and lifelong love in heaven.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424). Funeral arrangements are pending at this time, please check back for updated service details.
The family would appreciate remembrances to the local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society, Avenue B (of Saint John), or a charity of the donor’s choice.
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October 2 1949 July 12 2022 (age 72)
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Peter Chouinard October 2 1949 July 12 2022 (age 72)..
Décès pour la Ville: Saint-John, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick