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J. PETER MEEKISON Obituary
Peter Meekison, a distinguished political scientist, public servant, mentor and teacher, died January 20, 2025, at the age of 88. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, Peter leaves an enduring legacy in Canadian federalism, post-secondary education, and constitutional law.
Born and raised in Vancouver, Peter attended the University of British Columbia where he met Patti, his wife of 57 years. After completing his PhD in political science at Duke University, Peter and Patti moved to Edmonton, where he joined the University of Alberta Department of Political Science in 1967. He later served as Vice President (Academic) and the Belzberg Chair in Constitutional Law. In 1974, he took a 10-year leave to serve as Deputy Minister of Alberta Federal and Intergovernmental Affairs. It was during this time Peter was recognized as the architect of what became the amending formula for the Constitution Act, 1982. In 1993, he was honoured to serve as a commissioner on the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, helping to produce its historic 1996 report.
Peter's contributions to education extended beyond Alberta. After retiring from the University of Alberta, he became an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria; as the public administrator, facilitated the transition of Okanagan University College during its transition to UBC Okanagan; and later, Chancellor and Board Chair of Royal Roads University. An Officer of the Order of Canada, he was honoured with numerous awards, including the Queen's Jubilee Medals and the Lieutenant Governor's Medal for Public Administration. Of his many accomplishments, Peter was particularly proud of his family and the close bonds they shared. Predeceased by his beloved Patti, Peter is survived by his children, Jennifer (Robert Cormie) and Robert; grandchildren, Caitlin, Matthew, Isabel, and Koah; and brother, Jim (Carolyn Keystone).
A memorial service will be held at St. Luke Cedar Hill Anglican Church, Victoria, on Tuesday, May 20th, at 11:00 a.m. RSVPs are welcome at [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the J. Peter Meekison Graduate Scholarship in Political Science at the University of Alberta (uabgive.ca/tribute).
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Memories and Condolences
for J. PETER MEEKISON
6 Entries
Murray Sharp
February 16, 2025
One of my favourite memories of Peter is this photo I have of him and Dr. John MacDonald (of MacDonald-Detwiller fame) , running full tilt whilst carrying a sign the they and a group of other Engineering students of the day were planning to plant in front of the Monkey House in Stanley Park.
Beverley Smith
February 15, 2025
My late husband, Melvin H. Smith, QC (British Columbia- 1960-1992)
Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs (1984-1987) was Peter's counterpart during the Trudeau years when the Constituion of Canada was being reviewed.
My sympathy to the Meekison Family Beverley Smith
Audrey Bell-Hiller
February 12, 2025
Peter was truly distinguished and since I am unable to attend the memorial service, I want to add to how enduring his legacy is. In Political Science he was always our mentor and shared his knowledge through the years with all students and administrators. He was a Man of Men and he will be missed by thousands he has known. Kindest Condolences to All, Audrey Bell-Hiller,BA
Fred Judson
February 10, 2025
Cheerful, acutely intelligent and unceasingly encouraging, Peter made me feel I belonged in the department of political science at the UofA. Democracy, pluralism and inclusion were his guiding principles.
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Gisèle Yasmeen
February 8, 2025
To the Meekison Family - I was sad to read the obituary in the Globe and Mail this morning. I have fond memories of collaborating with Dr. Meekison when he was a Governor of the Canadian Unity Council and I was founding Regional Director for BC and the Yukon. I fondly remember long discussions in his living room in Edmonton. May he rest in peace after a long life well lived.
Dennis Duffy
February 8, 2025
It was my good fortune to meet Peter when we both served on the (ill-fated) effort to found Quest university. He was a delight to work beside, honest, genial, a gent in every way. I am very sorry for your loss.
May his memory be a blessing.
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