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Obituary of Peter Thayer Banwell QC
(February 15, 1943-January 1, 2025)
Peter was a brilliant corporate lawyer, unsurpassed in his ability to find simple and elegant solutions to complex legal problems. However, his technical legal skills were not what distinguished him as a lawyer. What drew clients to him and inspired his colleagues was his superb judgement and absolute integrity. For him, the question was never only “what is legal”, it was “what is right”.
In 1966, Peter graduated with an economics and mathematics degree from Queen’s University. Over the next three years, he attained the highest standing in the class at Queen’s law school. In 1971, Peter was admitted to the Law Society of Upper Canada. He advised on corporate, tax and financial planning to private corporations, small businesses and their owners. Peter was a frequent speaker on business law matters to both the Ontario and Canadian Bar Associations. He was an early contributor to Current Tax Planning (Carswell). He served as counsel on income tax appeals to the Tax Court and Federal Court of Canada. In 1983, Peter was appointed Queen’s Counsel by the province of Ontario.
In addition to his busy law practice and leadership responsibilities at Sullivan Mahoney, he was actively involved in many community organizations serving on the boards of the Niagara College Foundation and the Trillium Foundation and is a Past-President of The Rotary Club of St. Catharines. An avid golfer, tennis player, and a “Thursday night” basketball player, he was a true and loyal friend with a sharp wit and great sense of humour.
No mere recitation of biographical details can do justice to the man. He inspired in all who knew him not just respect but enormous affection. He treated everyone equally, whether a corporate client or junior member of the law firm staff— with consideration, respect and compassion.
At the centre of his life was his wife Barbara, family of three children (David, Scott and Heather), their partners, and nine grandchildren. For them, he was a quiet, constant presence – never imposing himself, but always available with wise counsel and unwavering support. He was immensely proud of all his family.
The task now becomes to remember, to move past the diminishment that illness inflicted upon him and picture what he was, what he gave for so long. We loved him dearly; we miss him already.
Thank you to Paramed, March of Dimes, Aphasia Centre, Pioneer Elder Care, and many friends for the care and support he received.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Sullivan Mahoney Foundation (at niagaracommunityfoundation.org), the Rotary Club of St. Catharines, or the March of Dimes.
In keeping with the family’s wishes, arrangements by have been entrusted to the George Darte Funeral Home, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. Cremation has taken place and a reception to honour his life and share memories are pending.
1943 2025
Death notice for the town of: St- Catharines, Province: Ontario
death notice Peter
Thayer
Banwell QC 1943 2025
obituaries notice Peter
Thayer
Banwell QC 1943 2025
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Peter
Thayer
Banwell QC 1943 2025 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
