Peter COMAR

It is with great sadness that the family of Peter (Walter) Comar announces his passing at the age of 96 at the St. Catharines Hospital on January 4, 2021. Predeceased by his parents Annie Batyrn and James Comar, brothers Andrew and Michael and sister Mary. Survived by his loving wife of 74 years Marie (Mary), daughters Bonnie (Paul), Catherine, Sharon (Glenn), Georgina (Donovyn), Charlene (Duane), Tammy (Walter) and Marilyn (Joe). Grandchildren Lesley, Andrew, Graeme, Ryan, Alysha, Tyler and Daniel. Great-grandchildren Jesse, Treysen and Ivy. Also survived by sister Olga Roach and her family and sister-in-law Patricia Comar and her family. Peter was born in Thorold and when he was 2 years old his family moved to Crowland where he lived in Welland for the rest of his life. In 1943, at 18 years of age, Peter joined the Canadian Army. After training at Brantford and Camp Borden, he was sent to England. In the fall of 1943 he went to Naples, Italy where he joined the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards of Ottawa, part of the British Eighth Army under Field Marshall Alexander Montgomery. The regiment fought its major battle at the Gothic Line, a massive German-Italian line of defense north of Rome. This broke the back of the Gothic Line and allowed the army's advance to the north. On February 28, 1945, the Canadian regiments were pulled out of Italy and moved north to Belgium and on to Holland in 1945 and quickly north to Apeldoorn as the war was winding down. In July 1945 he was discharged from the army. For his contribution to the war effort, Peter was honoured with the Star of Italy, Star of France and Star of Germany, all dated 1939-1945, the Defense Medal, and the Canadian Volunteer War Medal 1939-1945. In April 2008 Peter made the trip back to Holland for the first time since the war to take part in celebrations to mark the 55th anniversary of the surrender of German forces, an event held every year to thank Canadian veterans for helping liberate their country. After the war, Peter was employed at Plymouth Cordage, John Deere, Scott Building Products, and Combustion Engineering, which later became Vesuvius. While employed Peter was very involved with the community. He was elected to the Township of Crowland Council serving from 1954-1960. He was a member of the Welland Public Library Board in 1962 and its chairman in 1963. Chairman of the United Way Fund Raising Campaign in 1980, chairman of Junior Achievement Fund Raising Campaign in 1983, a member of the Committee of Adjustment for the Corporation of the City of Welland from 1963 and also served as chairman. He was a member of the Welland Senior Citizens Friendly Club and also served as chairman. He became a member of the Welland Lions Club in 1987 and was president in 1992-1993. Peter was also a member of Branch 4, Royal Canadian Legion in Welland. In September 2012 Peter was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions to the city of Welland, an honour he was very proud of. A memorial service will be held at a future date when family and friends will be able to gather to celebrate Peter's life. Donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Trust Fund in honour of Peter. The Poppy Trust Fund directly supports Canada's Veterans and donations provide service that advocate for Veterans' mental health and well-being, offers financial assistance for Veterans and their families and identifies and supports Veterans in need. Special thank you to the wonderful doctors and nurses at the Welland Hospital as well as the St. Catharines General for all of their wonderful care and support. Online condolences available at www.cudneyfuneralhome.com.