PETER MEINCKE Ph.D.

Passed away peacefully at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on July 21, 2025. Peter, in his 90th year, beloved husband and best friend of the late Donna Mallinson for 52 years. Loving father of Thomas Meincke (Helen Cullen), of Ottawa, and Carolyn (Eric) Williams, of Ottawa. Proud and loving Opa to Colin Williams. Dear son of the late Paul Meincke and Marie Winther. Loving partner to Susan Williams, of Ottawa, since 2013 and wonderful friend to Sue's children. Peter was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on January 21, 1936. Peter's formative years were spent studying Engineering Physics at the Royal Military College (RMC). He graduated in 1958 as Cadet Wing Commander with the Governor General's Gold Medal and Sword of Honour. He then obtained an M.A and Ph.D. in low temperature physics at the University of Toronto. Most of Peter's career was in academia. In 1967, he began teaching at the University of Toronto, where he quickly became Associate Dean of Science and then Vice Provost. In 1978, he became President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), where he was instrumental in establishing the Atlantic Veterinary College and the Institute of Island Studies. In 1985, while on sabbatical, he attended the National Defence College, where he made lifelong friends. During retirement, he continued to be very active with several non-governmental organizations. In 2008, he received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from RMC. In 2012, he was among the first 60 recipients of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal. With all his accomplishments, Peter was also steadfastly devoted to family and friends. His warmth allowed him a wealth of friends around the world. There are many treasured memories of times spent at their farmhouse in Hampton, PEI. He will be missed. Friends and family may gather at Capital Funeral Home and Cemetery, 3700 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 10 a.m., with The Reverend Paul Whynacht officiating. For those not able to attend in person, the service will be live streamed. Please use the following link to the Funeral Home website to pre-register to view the service: https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/capital.html. A reception will follow the service. A special thanks to the Ottawa Civic Hospital caregiving staff for the wonderful care given. Donations to the Ottawa Hospital Foundation or the UPEI Annual Fund gratefully accepted.