Peter Smeaton
Peter Smeaton
November 2, 1951 – April 23, 2021
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Peter John Smeaton on April 23, 2021 at the age of 69. Beloved husband of 37 years to Maureen. Caring and devoted father to Jessica (Stephen) Stock of Calgary, and Alison Smeaton of Thornhill. Much loved grandpa to Isabelle and Michael Stock. Cherished brother to Allen Smeaton and Brenda (Al) Putre. Loved uncle of Andrew, Gary (Trista, Preston and Madison) and Brian. He is predeceased by his parents, John Smeaton and Doris Higgerty, and sister, Patricia. He will be missed by the Graham in-laws, Dan (Carol), Cel (Albert), Rita (Don), Tim (Cathy), Joan (Tom), Rose (Rob), Eileen (Lyle), Fran (Bill) and Lou (Connie) and their families. Peter will be lovingly remembered in the hearts of many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Peter was in his 50th season as an off -ice official for the NHL, officiating games in Toronto, Montreal and many other cities. Over his career, he worked at over 2,000 NHL games and over 1,000 junior games visiting almost every NHL arena. Peter was the long-time official scorer in Toronto. He was also part of the officiating team for multiple World Juniors’ events in Toronto. He was also an active member in the NHL alumni events.
Peter enjoyed traveling almost as much as he enjoyed planning his trips. Over the years there were family vacations to Disney World, Scotland, Ireland, Venezuela, Australia and of course annual trips to the Moose Jaw family reunions. In retirement, he and Maureen took extended trips to Australia and New Zealand. They also loved to tow their A-Frame trailer around Canada, making it as far north as the Arctic Ocean in 2018. He was proud to have visited all of the Canadian provinces, the Yukon, NWT and a special trip with Alison to see the Northern Lights at Aurora Village (Yellowknife) in 2019.
He was a great fan of the Olympics and along with his brother Allen saw many events in Montreal 1976 and Vancouver 2010. The 1988 Calgary events were a little trickier but he managed it by rescheduling Alison’s 1st birthday.
He had a wonderful sense of humour and appreciated a good laugh. There are many favorite Peter Smeaton stories being shared today. He was a proud father and once dressed up in a Girl Guide uniform at his office to help Jessica reach top sales status in the cookie campaign.
Peter loved photography and always had at least one camera with him, sometimes two so he did not need to swap the lenses. His work scanning and organizing family pictures on his family picture website is a treasured legacy.
Peter and his family spent many summer days at the family cottage on Bird Lake. He was always involved in family events, taking photos and lighting the plum pudding on fire at Christmas each year. He loved to travel out west to see the Graham relatives and collect his Saskatoon pie payment for providing technical support.
Peter loved genealogy and spent many hours on his computer doing research and documenting his family tree. This resulted in friendships with distant relatives across the globe. The past year he collaborated with John Osborne of Carleton University as they completed a book on the photography of his great-granduncle Charles Smeaton.
Peter spent the Covid lockdown having daily skype chats with his grand-son Michael and grand-daughter Isabelle, canoeing on the Don River and in Algonquin Park, feeding the birds in his backyard, and tormenting the family cats.
He will be missed.
Those who wish to honour Peter may give an assist in his name to the Hockey Canada Assist Fund or make a donation to the Calgary Zoo.
Due to Covid19 restrictions, a memorial will be held at a later date.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Peter Smeaton 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Thornhill, Province: Ontario
Even though I haven’t seen my cousin in years I want to express my sincere sympathy to Maureen and the rest of the family. As a child I did spend happy days at Bird Lake. Although I was only 2 weeks younger than Peter I spent most days playing with Brenda. Peter loved to tease us and was always playing pranks on us. I remember him trying to put frogs down our backs. Even then when our families celebrated Christmases together hockey was always one of the main topics for discussion. Linda Thomassin Pellegrino
we want to express our condolences to Maureen and family. You are we were so sad of my cousin Peter‘s passing. A wonderful storyteller, Always so positive and cheerful and a joy to be with. I also remember spending time at Bird lake, such a wonderful family time.
Our prayers are with you,
Michael and Terry Thomassin