PETER COLBY

PETER J. COLBY
Peter J. Colby left this world on March 23, 2026, after a brief stay in the hospital, just three days shy of his 93rd birthday. The accomplished scientist, environmentalist, outdoorsman, painter and athlete was surrounded by his three sons, Jim, Craig and Scott, his granddaughter Danielle and daughter-in-law Joanne.

Peter was born on March 26,1933 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to J. Emerson "Dutch" Colby and Jesse Elizabeth "Betty" Colby. The young couple adored their son and Peter considered them as much friends as parents. In his early years on a farm, Peter developed his love of nature, something that would guide his entire life. As a teenager, he even raised a pet crow and developed his authentic and frequently used crow call.

Peter was the captain of the tennis team in high school. He was also an artillery officer in the U.S. Army reserve, which helped him develop mental resolve and discipline. He strongly believed that the skills he developed in the military helped him navigate challenging situations that he encountered later in life.

Perhaps the biggest accomplishment of Peter's young life was attracting the attention of Dorothy Jacobon, a dynamic Nordic beauty. The letters she wrote to Peter while he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, convinced him to propose, which he did at the drive-in double-feature between "Love is a Many Splendored Thing" and "A Man Called Peter." They married on Dec. 27, 1957. Dorothy was a schoolteacher while Peter worked at General Foods, helping to develop Tang, famously used by the space program.

Their first child, Jim, arrived in 1960. It seemed like Peter had it all, but he wanted more. The farm boy longed to work outdoors, so he enrolled in the fisheries research PhD program at the University of Minnesota. Ever ambitious, Peter and Dorothy had two more boys, Craig in 1963, and Scott, in 1965, while Peter was still a student.

After graduating, Dr. Peter Colby worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Five years later, Peter was ready for another change. He was hired as a Senior Research Scientist at the Ministry of Natural Resources and moved his family to Thunder Bay in 1971. Peter said moving to Canada was one of the best decisions he ever made. His family agrees.

Peter thrived in Thunder Bay, where he enjoyed skiing at Mount Baldy in the winter and playing tennis at the Thunder Bay Tennis Club in the summer. Peter and Dorothy played competitive bridge with their friends and even more intense Scrabble games with their family. Peter was also a talented oil painter, particularly of landscapes; a legacy cherished by his family.

In 1976, Peter spearheaded the first Percis symposium, bringing scientists from around the world to share information about protecting freshwater fish. By the time he retired from the MNR in 1995, he was world renowned, earning the nickname "King Walleye." Peter remained active as a consultant, including for the provinces of Alberta and Manitoba, and serving on the MNRF Fisheries Management Zone 6 Advisory Council. His work protected fish populations and Indigenous fishing rights.

Peter and Dorothy's love of nature drew them to Black Bay, where they built a camp nestled in the woods. Peter gave a nod to his American roots by naming the outhouse "The White House." His favourite month of the year was May, when he loved to sit on the deck and watch the warblers arrive, while also observing the springtime rituals of his other natural neighbours.

Peter was loved wherever he went. Even after his sons moved out of town, their friends would stop by to visit Peter and Dorothy. He joined the Senate of the 18th Service Battalion, a continuation of his military background. When he moved into Chartwell Hilldale Retirement Village, Peter took on the role of ambassador, promoting the facility to visitors. "Mayor" may have been a better title, as he befriended staff and residents alike.

The strength of Peter's character was clearly demonstrated when Dorothy succumbed to dementia. Peter visited her daily at Roseview Manor, sitting with her to watch TV, and each evening, when she went to bed, holding her hand or stroking her hair until she went to sleep. He did more than anyone could imagine and still felt like it wasn't enough. Peter was devastated when Dorothy passed on Dec. 11, 2024. He found some happiness during his 15 months without her, but he never recovered from the loss of his Viking Princess.

Peter was revered for his intellect and his humanity. In a challenging world, Peter was quick to comfort others with his warmth, humour and sage advice. In a word, Peter was exceptional.

The Colby family would like to thank everyone who helped Peter through his final years, particularly the staff at Chartwell Hilldale, the staff at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre's Emergency and 2B wards and Terry and Gloria Ferguson. The family also extends their gratitude to the many friends and colleagues who enriched his life.

Peter is survived by his sons Jim (Joanne), Craig (Nancy), and Scott (Natasha), grandchildren Danielle, Mitch, Shane, Curtis, Isaac, Savanne, Jamie Kok (Jon) and Ashley Kok (Jarod), sister-in-law Joan, nieces Julie and Carol, and nephew, Louis.

In lieu of flowers please consider planting a white cedar tree in Peter's memory.

A celebration of Pete's life will be held at a later date.

Returned to the Earth but forever rooted in our hearts.