Passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at RVRHC in Barrie on Nov. 21, 2022, at the age of 88. Predeceased by his parents, Thomas and Bessie (Steet) Lighthall, and his brother John (Nell). Beloved husband of 66 years to Fiona, father to Don (Helen), Doug (Heather), and Beth Visser (Rob). “Gramp” to John (Candace), James, Lindsay (Nick), Laura (Mack), Craig (Aliya), Casey, Ian (Kara) and Sean. “Great Gramp” to Liam, Nola, Harper, Everett, Gavin, Quinton, Elliotte, Fiona, Jack, and Jack, and “Uncle Pete” to many nieces and nephews.
Pete was born in Montreal and raised in Picton, Ontario, and spent much of his free time as a youth fishing with his Uncle Art. At high school, he excelled at basketball, football, track, and band. Although it is clear he spent a fair amount of time at the local pool hall, there is also evidence that he attended some classes, developing a love of math. He also played saxophone in a dance band.
Dad enjoyed travel, canoeing, squash, music, scuba diving, euchre, cribbage, playing the flute, photography, the Leafs, and a medium rare steak with a good Shiraz. He was an enthusiastic volunteer, working with equine therapy and adult literacy. Dad was always eager to learn, taking evening courses at York University and later attending Third Age Learning in Waterloo. He took up running again in his 40s and regularly ran half marathons and 10Ks, often joined by Fiona as well as children and grandchildren. He ultimately achieved a lifelong goal by running the Toronto Marathon at the age of 70.
Dad was honest, fair, kind, patient, and supportive. Most of all, Dad was a devoted family man, and loved nothing more than to be surrounded by his extended family and to hear them laugh.
In keeping with his wishes, there will be no funeral, and Celebrations of his life will be ongoing.
Online memories and condolences may be made at www.peacefultransition.ca