MEMORIES OF PETER We're so sorry to hear about the loss of a dear friend. We knew Peter well, as a friend, traveling companion, and priest. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Peter Ford knew he was kind, compassionate, resilient and dedicated to people. We have so many beautiful stories about Peter we could tell, and enjoy laughing at our memories We have had a long, meaningful relationship with him and we put him in the category of dear friend. We first met Peter when he became the Anglican priest on the island of Saba. In fact, Peter baptized Jim at the age of 42. Peter, Jim and Jim’s mother were having dinner one Sunday when Jim’s mom asked why Jim took communion that morning when he had never been baptized. Peter’s response was “I can take care of that, Jim … but only if you continue attending church when you are not on Saba.” Jim’s baptism, and Karen’s subsequent baptism, have significantly impacted our lives over the past 32 years. Peter also performed our wedding renewal vows on our 25th anniversary. He delivered a very moving homily based on looking back on the first 25 years of our marriage, then reflecting on our current life and finally focusing on the next 25 years of our life together. His homily was so sincere and moving, there was not a dry eye in the pews. Unfortunately, only one guest had thought to bring a Kleenex and it was torn into pieces and shared among people in the congregation. Peter helped spread Christianity throughout Saba. For example, the island doctor who was not outwardly religious once looked up to Heaven and said “Thank you, Lord. You have sent us a priest who can talk sense to my wife about religion and he likes to drink scotch, too!” (That was Dr. Jack Buchanan.) Peter’s resilience was tested to the extreme when we met in Italy for vacation. The plans were for us to pick Peter up at the Genoa airport, but we got confused on the dates. After waiting at the airport for us until midnight, Peter took a cab to the house we had rented, but since we were visiting another city that night, the house in Genoa was locked. Unfortunately, Peter didn’t learn this until after his cab had left. There were no hotels in the area, so Peter spent the night sleeping on a park bench. When we arrived home late the next day, we found Peter patiently waiting for us. His comment was “I now have a lot of new material for future sermons.” As we walked around the town during the rest of our vacation, Peter was greeted by his many new street-people friends who adopted him as he tried to sleep on the park bench that first night. Yes, Peter never met a stranger. He was always ready to show kindness and compassion to everyone fortunate enough to meet him. I could keep telling stories for a long time, but let me just say that Peter holds a huge place in our hearts. We will always cherish our time with him. He will be dearly missed. Thank you for being his friend and for telling us that Jonathan and Maureen were with him as his life on earth came to an end. We will be there (for the funeral) in our hearts. -- Karen and Jim Stewart, nr Dallas, Texas, USA Peter, his friends and family are in my prayers, and will be especially so on Wednesday, September 15th. -- Fran Donnelly, Chemainus, British Columbia, Canada Peter was like the brother I never had. His friendship will be I am so glad that he was able to live his life to the fullest especially in his later years. -- Kyle Benger, Canada My deepest sympathy, it's unfortunate I haven't had the chance to meet him in person. Continue praying for him and eternal rest grant to his soul. -- Mercedita Oyales, Cavite, The Philippines He was a wonderful person, a great Priest, and a steadfast support to my parents and me. May we all be blessed by his memory. -- Rob Welch, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada Never forget the way he called me as “Miss Farah”. -- Farah Kardani, Toronto, Ontario, Canada I first met Peter at St. Thomas' Church in St. Catharines a couple of years after my own emigration to Canada from the UK in 1969. In 1973 when I first articulated my interest in seeking ordination in the Anglican Church, it was Peter to whom I went for guidance and he pointed me in the right direction. He also lent me a primer for New Testament Greek which helped me gain a bit of a head start in that area! During the 80s, when Peter was at Niagara-on-the-Lake and Archdeacon of Lincoln, I became Regional Dean and we worked more closely in those roles. Peter was indeed a loyal friend and colleague. His support was quiet but indefatigably strong. Years later, he said that he regretted not being of more support to me. But I was able to reassure him that his support had been stellar. Yes, we shall miss him greatly but I know that we are the better for having known him, for being able to count him as a friend, but even more to know that he regarded us in that light, too. When I got the news of his death the Masefield poem "Sea Fever" came to my mind for some reason and, especially John Ireland's wonderful musical setting of it. I never thought of Peter as a rollicking sort of seafarer but somehow, for me at any rate, the poem fits. In particular the final words are a prayer for him: "And all I ask is a merry yarn from a laughing fellow-rover, And quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over." -- Peter Orme, Toronto, Ontario, Canada I’m sure Peter (felt) very loved. -- Barbara and David Anderson, Port Hope, Ontario, Canada John and I have many many fond memories of Peter as a parish priest and a good friend. John held many volunteer positions at St. Mark’s in Niagara on the Lake, with Peter as coach and friend. Faye was organist and music director, receiving much encouragement and strength from Peter. We well remember the Christmas Eve when Peter trudged through the snow, red scarf --- a constant in winter -- fluttering alongside him as he went across the church lawn, placing candles in paper bags and then trying to light them, challenged by the wind as he went. Peter also loved to eat sticky buns!! We shared many times of laughter and fun as long-time friends, and we fondly remember our travels to visit with him in Montserrat and Saba in the Caribbean. -- Faye and John Shaver, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada Peter is truly the epitome of a best friend who stuck by us over all these years. -- Alan Drummond, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada I have many fond memories, Saba particularly. I think the last time we would have been together was Christmas a few years ago. I’m sorry he wasn’t able to come to Canada one last time. -- Michael Fleming, Ancaster, Ontario, Canada I got to know him when he came to St. Marks in Niagara-on-the-Lake and was his Warden and Altar Guild President. My mother, Joyce, was also his secretary while he was there and we were able to travel to the Isle of Wight when he had the 2 parishes, and we spent a few days with Peter and his mother. He was in one of his pantomimes while we were there and it was wonderful to see him in it. He always came to visit on his trips to Canada and we were very fortunate to have known him. Such a wonderful, kind and special man. I am attaching a photo of Peter and my Mum in the Rectory Garden at St. Marks. Mum looked upon Peter as a second son. She passed away April 2020 at the age of 100. Thank you for being there for him and being his friend. He has many friends in Canada who will miss him deeply, as will you. -- Brenda Leboudec, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada I’m not sure, but I think the last time I saw Peter may have been in Boston. That would be more than a decade ago now! It was nice to see some of the city with you both. I remember we enjoyed a dinner at the Top of the Hub restaurant, which doesn’t actually exist anymore. I also remember him meeting Coby (Alexandra’s dog – a Doberman Pincer) at my apartment. I don’t think they were very big fans of one another, but I trust they will get along well in heaven. -- Alexandra Fleming, Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada Sounds like Peter is in a good place among good people. Should we all be so lucky when our time comes! -- Richard Bull, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada I’m relieved that he (was) so well looked after and with good friends visiting him. - wish it could (have been) his Canadian friends too. I don’t know what to say in regard to memories – there are so many, mostly about his time at the Hamilton Cathedral, when he was so important to Joe, me, our family. This is so far back in time when he first came -- young, enthusiastic, involved. He was one of Joe’s young men who were all active in and who loved the Church. We were blessed that the Church as a whole , the Cathedral in particular, were part of his family, and that we were a part of that, too. -- Shirley Fricker, Burlington, Ontario, Canada I did not know Peter well but always felt that he was a true priest and servant of our God. His quiet way of being, profound wisdom, deep perception and gentle sense of humour were real gifts to the rest of us in this busy life. The picture you have attached to this message somehow reveals all those special qualities in him. Peter was simply a wonderful person - please accept my sincere sympathy in your sorrow at his death. It is so hard to 'lose' someone who has been such a treasured companion. I will make a donation to the Community of the Sisters of the Church in Oakville/Hamilton in Peter's memory, as it was through them that I met Peter, and I am reasonably certain that he was fond of them. God’s peace be with you. -- The Reverend Canon Fran Darlington, Guelph, Ontario, Canada I have looked up the hospice Peter stayed in and will send a cheque directly to their address. I have English £ cheques. -- Susan Crawford, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your friend, Peter. I met him once at your place and he was very personable. I know the two of you shared a long-standing friendship and I’m sure you’ll cherish the memories you have of him forever. Memories are precious gifts and we collect more and more of them as we age. They bring us joy in spite of the sadness we feel at losing our loved ones. -- Dorothy Haartman, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada I remember a time at Christmas where he was at my home playing with all of Adam's new games. It was so happy. -- Lockie Johnson, St-Martin, West Indies Peter was a very good friend and close colleague through the early 1980s when we worked together at Christ’s Church Cathedral in Hamilton, Ontario. He was the Canon Pastor; I was the curate, fresh from seminary. We both worked with the Dean, Joe Fricker. It was one of those occasions in ministry where the clergy team ’clicked’. We all got along and although we were different enough to represent a range of styles to the congregation, we were also close enough in our liturgical and theological views to collaborate creatively. Peter became more than a colleague; he became a trusted friend. We shared many meals together and kept in close touch after I moved on from CCC to work in Toronto. Two cherished memories: one is that when the Toronto Symphony moved to their new home at Roy Thompson Hall, we obtained season’s tickets to enjoy very fine music together. We kept this subscription for years after I moved to Toronto and it gave us opportunity to see each other regularly. Secondly, I visited him twice when he was Rector of Saba in the Dutch West Indies. It was great to see him flourish in that very different environment; his hospitality was generous and our friendship was a balm for my soul through difficult times. Sadly, we fell out of touch in recent years but news of his death brought back both very happy memories of a fine priest with a great sense of humour and a dear friend in whose integrity and confidence I found great strength. Rest in peace dear friend; may flights of angels wing you to your rest. -- The Very Reverend Peter G. Elliott, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada We got to know Peter during the years he was stationed in the Caribbean as rector of the Parish of Saba and St. Eustatius. For some years in the 90’s we would spend a week or two annually on Saba, and one of the highlights of our trip would be to spend time with Peter and enjoy his company. Peter quickly made us a part of his circle of friends on the island. We have particularly fond memories of Peter’s friends Chuck Howard and Ed Vaughn who had retired to Saba from the fashion industry in New York. Peter would be sure to get us an invitation to a glamourous dinner party at Chuck and Ed’s splendid villa high on the hill above the town of The Bottom. One can just imagine the atmosphere of those evenings: great stories, fine wine, laughter and camaraderie. Such fond memories! In accord with his puckish sense of humor, Peter’s calling cards read “Rector at The Bottom of the Unspoiled Queen”. We will miss Peter dearly, but know that he is in good hands and without suffering or pain. -- Randy Apgar and Allen Black, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA However expected a death may be, it always provokes intense sadness. This must be especially true for you, for Peter was a fine and faithful and special friend. Years ago, in a sermon at the Cathedral, Peter introduced us to the Celtic concept of thin places. He is now in the thinnest place of all. His going from us was prolonged and we are so grateful for the friends who looked after him in the last few months, as well as to you for keeping in touch with us so that we knew his final story. It will always be with regret that he was never able to come back to Canada, but he will be missed by many. Clearly he had deep friendships on both sides of the Atlantic and that says much about him. May clouds of angels accompany Peter to his final resting in peace and his rising in glory. -- John and Anne-Louise Watts, Dundas, Ontario, Canada Oh, John, I’ll miss him so much. And I can only imagine how you are feeling. I know he is now at peace and with God and I am happy for that. What a legacy he’s left of friends who cared deeply for him - and all of us have benefited so much from having him in our lives. Sending you my deepest sympathy. My friend, Peter Ford, was one of the world’s worst punsters…and one of the world’s best people. I’ll miss both. Very much. Love, Francie. -- Francie O’Flynn, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada Peter was introduced to my late partner, Carlos Rodriguez and me while we were visiting our mutual friend Blount Grant in the Florida Keys about 1988. We became close friends and would see him when he was passing through on vacation or when he was on his way to and from Saba and Montserrat. We loved him dearly and especially enjoyed his wicked sense of humor. He visited with me once after Carlos died in 1995 and I had moved back to my home in Charleston, SC. I visited with him in London in 2005 and enjoyed catching up and having a nice dinner together. I am attaching a photograph from the late 1980s of Peter, my late partner, Carlos Rodriguez, and me. I love to restore old houses and we had just learned that we were going to be able to acquire this one in Miami's Morningside Historic District. While it was beautiful, it was very dilapidated. Peter happened to be in town that day, so we all piled into the car and headed out for a little "breaking and entering" spree to see what the inside of the house actually looked like. The surprise was that when we pried the door open, there was no "inside" inside. It had collapsed into a heap from termite and water damage. We couldn't even get the door closed again when we left! It didn't matter what mission we were on, if Peter was there, we were always laughing. Thank you again for reaching out. Much love to Peter's family and friends. -- Charlie Smith, Charleston, South Carolina, USA I’ve looked through pictures of our trips to the Isle of Wight and am sending them to you. We did a lot of eating and partying! -- The Reverend Keith Whittingham, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. Thanksgiving Dinner -- Muriel Nicholls and Ian Cuthbertson, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada Peter's life in Canada was so terribly important for him, and it was wonderful to see him thrive there. I lived with Peter's folks in Oxted, Surrey in 1965 and we became like brother and sister! Both of us loved opera (I was an opera singer) and attended many times at Covent Garden and the old Sadler’s Wells. He was in Amarillo many times and was adored by my parents and friends. Norman was a spiritual care volunteer for hospice for 11years here in Amarillo so we are very well aware of the benefits for Peter at this time. We are extremely grateful that he is receiving this wonderful care. -- Celia and Norman Stuppi, Amarillo, Texas, USA Dear Peter, You are now in a better place. Thank you for the years of unfailing love and friendship, of laughter and camaraderie, of support and compassion, of generosity and understanding, of wisdom and positive outlook, of trust and never-ending confidence in me as a human being. Through the good times and the difficult times, you were always there for me, and you shall be with me for the remainder of my life here on earth. You have spent a lifetime serving others, Peter, and have brought much joy and meaning to those who were fortunate enough to have you as a friend, as a pastor, as a confidante. And now, through faith, you have won the race. Well done, thou good and faithful servant. May you rest in peace and rise in glory. And may we meet again, dear friend. -- John Charles, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada