Peter GILL

DR. PETER GILL, Ph.D. August 31, 1932 - November 30, 2017

Passed peacefully on November 30th at Ottawa General Hospital with his family by his side. Predeceased by his first wife, Joyce and daughter, Joanne. Beloved husband to Bibiane Ouellette, father to Leslie, Stephen (Karla) and Patrick (Martha) step daughters Renaude (Benoit), Marie-Eve (Martin). His grandchildren, Jack, Livvie, Jacob, and Mèg-Ane will miss him dearly. Peter was born in St Annes on Sea in Lancashire England in 1932, where as a young man he earned a scholarship to the prestigious Kirkham Grammar School. At age 22 he immigrated to Canada through Pier 21 in Halifax N. S. to complete his undergrad at Sir George Williams University and postgraduate degree at McGill. He served as Microbiologist in Chief at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal and moved to the position of Director of the newly created Bureau of Microbiology in the Laboratory Centre for Disease Control in Ottawa. Subsequently he worked as Director of the National Reference Laboratories at the Red Cross. Peter was a brilliant and world renowned scientist. With his wit and charm he captured the minds and hearts of the global scientific community. In 2012, he was awarded the QEII Diamond Jubilee Medal for outstanding service to Canada. Peter did all this while juggling his life as an excellent and caring father and family man. Peter loved exotic travel with Bibiane, he played pool, golf and was a fearsome rugby player in his youth. Peter had a way of making everyone feel welcome whether friends or new acquaintances, young and old. Peter's family, friends, and colleagues will all sadly miss him...please have a toast, as somewhere 'the sun is over the yardarm.'
A Visitation will be held at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services in Ottawa on Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 11 a.m. The Memorial Service will begin at 12 noon followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Royal Ottawa Foundation for Mental Health.