Peter RIEDIGER

1929 - 2023

PETER RIEDIGER 1929 - 2023 Peter passed away peacefully, in Credit Valley Hospital on Thursday, October 19, 2023, with his devoted wife, Helen, by his side, after a brief bout of pneumonia. Peter was born in Harrow, Ontario, to Peter and Agatha Riediger, and raised in a closely-knit Mennonite community together with his brother, Harry, and sister, Vera. Peter was the proud father of son, Eric; daughter, Patty (Alex) Maher; and son, Michael, children of his first marriage. In 1985, he married Helen (Munro/Hendry) and they enjoyed a happy marriage of 38 years. In addition to his wife and children, Peter is survived by his sister, Vera; and several devoted nieces, nephews, and their families who will all miss their Uncle Peter. He will be fondly remembered by the Hendry family. Pete, as he was usually known, began his education in a one-room schoolhouse. After graduating from Harrow High School, he entered Queen's University, graduating with a degree in Engineering Physics, class of Sc. 52. He spent his early years in oil exploration in Western Canada with Imperial Oil. Upon returning to Ontario, he joined Dow Chemical Company in Sarnia. For the following 34 years he remained with Dow, working mostly in the early development of the plastics industry. He referred to these years as the glory days of plastics when there was very rapid growth; glass and metals were no longer the only alternative. Pete was a proud member of the Plastics Pioneers. Pete enjoyed a long and very full retirement. He and Helen travelled extensively, visiting many countries and learning much about their interesting and diverse geography and culture. A highlight for Pete was seeing places in Ukraine, which his father had told him about. Helen's highlight was visiting the Highlands of Scotland and seeing Cromarty, home of her ancestors. Their best story was of passing through a hurricane and being stranded on the Falkland Islands. Pete loved creating and tending his garden at the new family home in Oakville. He was a member of the Probus Club of Oakville and Knox Church, and he enjoyed the company of friends through the mall walkers, bridge and golf. He took great pleasure in the daily management of his investment portfolio, which he referred to as somewhere between a hobby and an obsession. Moving to Ennisclare on-the-Lake brought more opportunities to become involved through the Finance and Property committees and social events. Peter and Helen enjoyed entertaining at home and spending time each year in Muskoka and Florida. Sadly, Pete's final three years were marred by increasing dementia. He was cared for at home, then for a few months at Wenleigh Long Term Care. A celebration of Peter's life will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, 89 Dunn Street, Oakville, on Wednesday, October 25th at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, October 24th from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at Kopriva Taylor Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to a Charity of Your Choice. Condolences may be made through: www.koprivataylor.com