Peter Alexander HERRNDORF

PETER ALEXANDER HERRNDORF C.C., O. Ont. Peter Herrndorf, champion of stories and storytellers, a giant of journalism, broadcasting, and the arts, died of cancer on February 18, at the age of 82, surrounded by his family. Peter has left an indelible mark on the cultural life of Canada. Born in Amsterdam, he arrived in Winnipeg at the age of 8, and his extraordinary career sprang from an unshakeable love of his adopted country. As he grew, he learned about Canada through its stories - by reading Canadian books, listening to CBC Radio, and singing Canadian songs in choirs. Although he graduated from both Dalhousie Law School, and received his MBA from the Harvard Business School, he was attracted to journalism, where his quest for telling stories began. After working briefly as a reporter for the Brandon Sun, he started at CBC, eventually rising to become Vice President of English Services during one of its most successful eras. During his tenure, he developed programs like The Fifth Estate and moved The National to 10 p.m., pairing it with the highly acclaimed public affairs program The Journal. He believed passionately in public broadcasting. As a leader, he enabled talent and ideas to flourish - a gift he would share throughout his professional life, including at Toronto Life as publisher, at TVOntario as Chairman and CEO, and then, for nearly 19 years, as President and CEO of the National Arts Centre. His career in the arts - another realm of storytelling - was just as exceptional. He put the "national" back in the National Arts Centre, spurring it to play a strong role across Canada through national Scene festivals, orchestra tours, and education. Some of his proudest achievements were the establishment of the NAC Foundation, the creation of the Indigenous Theatre - a watershed moment for Indigenous arts and the country, the magnificent architectural rejuvenation of the NAC building on the Rideau Canal, and the National Creation Fund, which has allowed dozens of ambitious new Canadian works to succeed on stages at home and abroad. Unfailingly generous, Peter served on more than 60 boards. He co-founded, along with Brian Robertson, the Governor General's Performing Arts Awards. Most recently he was the highly engaged Chair of Luminato, Toronto's International Festival of Arts and Ideas. His many awards and honours include 10 honorary degrees. In 2017, he was promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest level, for his outstanding service to the country. Since he fell ill in December, hundreds of people have written or called to say how much Peter meant to them, the lessons he taught them, how his example represented vision and leadership, as much as it did kindness and compassion. Despite his remarkable achievements in every arena he entered, he was, above all else, a man of great humanity and warmth with an unparalleled capacity for kindness and curiosity. He was known for his endless lists, his birthday serenades, his booming laugh, his multiple Rolodexes and his annual Christmas cards, each containing a personal message. Somewhere, he found time to devour books, inhale politics, and watch and read about his many favourite sports. Peter was never quite successful in convincing the love of his life, Eva Czigler, his wife of 42 years, to share his passion for sports, even though, by some irony, they met watching Mohammed Ali's 'Rumble in the Jungle' in 1974. He fared far better with their two children, Katherine and Matthew, who were his frequent companions at Jays and Raptors games and inherited his love of reading and politics. Sunday night dinners were a not-to-be-missed noisy ritual, often including sister-in-law Madeleine Czigler, niece Laura Piscaer, nephew Marcus and his family. Matthew and his wife, Agustina Silva, gifted Peter and Eva with their first grandchild in November. Nico brought much needed light and joy to Peter during his final months. There was a special place in his heart for his brother Fred, his many nieces and nephews and sister Kiki Delaney (Ian), whom he loved and admired enormously. Peter witnessed first-hand the hard work and dedication of the medical and nursing staff at Toronto General Hospital, Princess Margaret Hospital, and Bridgepoint Palliative Care. We thank Dr Neil Fleshner and Dr Srikala Sridhar for their excellent medical care at PMH. Daisy Darna was the CEO of "Team Peter", aided skillfully by Rizelda and Joy. The family owes them huge thanks for their endless care and love. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Luminato Festival Toronto, The National Arts Centre Foundation, Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation, or a Charity of Your Choice. Visitation will be held at Mount Pleasant Funeral Centre, 375 Mount Pleasant Rd, on Friday, February 24, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. A celebration of Peter's rich life will take place at a later date.