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Peter SHOWLER Obituary
February 17, 1944 - October 30, 2023
Peter spent his early eras of idealistic, sometimes dangerous, self-indulgent, and errant foolishness in Europe, the west coast of Vancouver Island, and the Kootenay Mountains. He was eventually led back to civilization by Tibetan Buddhism, finding Dalhousie Law School and marriage to Ellen Zweibel. He embarked on a career of social justice advocacy in Ottawa and soon found himself one among many: a group of brilliant, idealistic lawyers, legal workers, community workers, and academics. Peter worked as a co-director of Community Legal Services of Ottawa. He became a member of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada in 1993 and the Chair of the Board in 1999. He also taught immigration and refugee law at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Law. In 2003, he was appointed the Gordon Henderson Chair in Human Rights; from 2006-2013, he was Director of Refugee Forum: a research and education project housed in the university's Human Rights Research and Education Centre. With the UNHCR, he undertook training and development projects in Malawi, Ireland, Lebanon, Tanzania, Japan, South Africa, Switzerland and Mexico.
In recognition of his contributions to refugee law and for his mentorship of the next generation of refugee lawyers, Peter was awarded the Order of Canada in a private ceremony in September of this year. He was thrilled to receive the honour from Governor General Mary Simon, whom he greatly admired. Peter wasn't a big fan of awards - he preferred to acknowledge all contributors - but was deeply moved by the depth and detail of nomination letters from the refugee advocacy community, former students, refugees, and translators. Throughout his career, it was his honour to work with many refugees who brought their courage and talents to this country along with their need for protection.
Peter is the author of Refugee Sandwich: Stories of Exile and Asylum and co-author of Flight to Freedom: Stories of Escape to Canada, as well as innumerable reports, plays, and policy briefs. He is also the author of a novel, television series, film script, and non-descript poetry-all inexplicably unpublished.
Peter leaves his daughter Dr. Adrienne Showler, her husband, Jack Morgan, and their twin daughters, Caroline and Julianne Showler Morgan. He also leaves his daughter Suzannah Showler, a writer, her husband, Andrew Battershill, and their daughter Djuna Battershill. They have all been an endless joy in his life. And finally, he leaves his wife and heart companion of 42 years, Professor Ellen Zweibel, without whom: chaos. As refugees we all pass by, pass into, one another, often unknowingly, sharing the secret we too often forget. Remembrances can be made in the form of contributions to Daricha: an independent organisation sustaining underground schools for girls in Afghanistan (www.darichaschool.com)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Peter SHOWLER
39 Entries
Debra Masters
June 18, 2024
So sad to hear of Peter´s passing. I met Peter when he was an immigration lawyer in Ottawa and I was just a kid starting my career with, at that time, Canada Immigration. Peter was professional and respectful in all his interactions and never lorded his intellect over others. His passion to serve those in need, with kindness and dignity, was truly inspirational. He was incredibly ethical, smart, funny, kind, thoughtful and caring. It is obvious, and not surprising, that he made such a positive and lasting impact on so many people! I hadn´t seen him since the late 1990´s, but never forgot him. Condolences to his family and friends.
MBA Durville
May 28, 2024
It was an honour to know him. My condolences to his family.
Christina Harrison Baird
April 7, 2024
My heartfelt condolences to Peter´s family and friends worldwide. I feel fortunate to count myself among the refugee lawyers and advocates who benefited from Peter´s leadership and generosity. My fondest memory of Peter is a standing ovation he led. An ensemble of young people (including students from the undergrad class I was teaching at Carleton in Public International Law) performed a series of monologues about human trafficking at a Canadian Council for Refugees consultation. Peter was the first to jump to his feet in appreciation. That wave of affirmation carried us all upward and forward in our careers in law and advocacy. Excellent mentorship has amazing intergenerational impact. Rest now, dear mentor.
Pat Evans
March 1, 2024
I never had the good fortune of knowing Peter, but after reading this I know why his daughter Adrienne is so amazing! His legacy will live on through the wonderful family he has left behind.
Deryk McGrath
December 26, 2023
Will there be a memorial for Peter in Ottawa at a later date?
Deryk McGrath
December 21, 2023
Condolences to the entire Showler family.I had the privilege to meet Peter in Lahr,Germany in 1968-69,during one of his periods of misadventure.A truly fine human being.
Dale Asrael
December 12, 2023
I just tonight found Peter's obituary with a friend's help. Not having heard from him since a few days before his last, I've been worried. Now the great sadness can come; and, with it, the love and immense appreciation for him. My deepest condolences to his dear family, and the memory of how he treasured each one of you.
Dale
Jessica Dare
December 1, 2023
I grew up knowing Peter as a friend of my parents from their "hippie days" on Vancouver Island. He was funny, warm, kind, sharply intelligent, and irreverent in all the best ways, and he always treated us kids as actual people. He looked for, and brought out, the best in everyone. When he told me about his illness, he prefaced it with "Now, don't be sad about this." And that was Peter, always caring for others and always having just the right kind words to say. I will cherish the memory of that last phone conversation and all the years that I knew this great man. Love to Ellen, Adrienne, and Suzannah and their families.
Marilyn Dib
November 30, 2023
Please accept my sincere and deepest condolences to his entire family. Peter was placed here on purpose. For years I had spoken over the phone with the lovely, educated, immigration expert. Accidentally while I was working in another capacity, I heard this voice down the aisles of my market. I asked if the voice was that of Peter Showler. He rose to the occasion and caught my attention for over a decade. Visiting often. Catching up on life and his objectives and mostly his kids and grandchildren and his priority, his beloved wife. I actually became interested in immigration while working in government because of this wonderful human. He enriched his efforts when he spoke to you. Making you feel like you wanted to do better and go further. He always made an impact! Determined and sharp! His goals were most important! He will never be forgotten for all of his contributions and his positive outlook in life. As I write this I am choked, because he was just a great guy! I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him and call him friend! Memory eternal!
Ella Forbes-Chilibeck
November 26, 2023
Peter was just so amazing in so many ways. I feel blessed to home enjoyed knowing him. I´m sending my very sincere condolences to everyone and especially to Ellen at this time.
Hazrat Wahriz
November 25, 2023
On behalf of Daricha School, I extend heartfelt gratitude to all friends and family members of Peter Showler for their generous support. Your donation will play a crucial role in the construction of a school for girls in Herat province, an area recently affected by an earthquake. Thank you for contributing to the empowerment and education of these young girls, making a positive impact on their lives and the community as a whole.
Tanya Dare
November 23, 2023
Dear Ellen, Adrienne, Suzannah, and family,
My heart goes out to you at this unimaginable loss. Peter's kindness, humour, and generosity were remarkable, and I treasured his presence in my life as well as the intertwining of our families. I'm more sorry than I can say for his suffering and for yours.
I will do my very best to follow his advice and embrace the miracles. He was one of them.
With much love,
Tanya
Mark Arnold
November 15, 2023
I met Peter in September 1980. We were "mature" first year law students at Dalhousie Law. We became quick friends.
Shortly after Peter Introduced Ellen to our first year contract seminar presided over by Prof. Leon Trakman. It was abundantly clear to me and everyone that Peter and Ellen were about to become a "force".
Law school finally ended in April 1983. Peter and I went off to Ottawa seeking articling positions. Peter remained in Ottawa and became a "force". I remained in Halifax for a few more years before settling in Toronto to practice law.
To my everlasting regret I lost contact with Peter over the years but followed his stellar career in immigration and human rights law.
In August this year I learned that Peter had been awarded the Order of Canada. I called him with congratulations and pride. I did not know the extent of his illness until receiving a final email from him just before his passing that hit me hard.
Peter will be missed by me and his Ottawa colleagues and friends. He made a wonderful contribution to our country. I am so happy to have known Peter when we were law students.
Condolences to all of those who loved Peter and cared for him.
Mark Arnold
Sam Laredo
November 8, 2023
I was very saddened to hear of Peter's passing. I worked with, and then, for him at the IRB. He was a man of great integrity, of admirable and solid values, a man who worked tirelessly to achieve that which was worth achieving in life. He will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Chris Cunningham
November 7, 2023
Peter was part of a wonderful of Ottawa friends who tripped with
Wanapitei Canoe. He was my bowman, always looking for the right
line, in paddling, and in life.
Chris Cunningham
Jean-Guy Jam
November 7, 2023
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Janice Cochrane
November 7, 2023
Peter was Chair of the Immigration and Refugee Board when I knew him. He had a deep well of knowledge and empathy for people - as well as a warmth and sense of humour that served him well in his personal and professional lives . I remember him with great fondness. My sympathy to his family and close friends.
Monica Lee
November 7, 2023
Thanks for being a great teacher, Professor Showler. I kept all the notes from your class. The world is a better place because of you. My deepest condolences to your family and loved ones.
Dilani Mohan
November 7, 2023
Peter Showler was an advocate of the sort I aspired to be and I count myself among those lucky enough to have gained from his knowledge and compassion as a student at Ottawa U. I witness his passing with gratitude for having known him and with the deepest sympathy for his family and loved ones.
François
November 7, 2023
Mes plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux proches de Peter. Peter, je te remercie pour ton ouverture, ta sincérité et ta transparence. Tu nous manques déjà.
Tjerk Damstra (South Africa)
November 7, 2023
My condolences go to all Peter's family members. Peter taught me the basics of Refugee Law in 2001 when he was in South Africa and I have been thankful ever since. Tjerk Damstra
ISAAC SECHERE
November 6, 2023
First, as his student at Ottawa U, then worked for him at Community Legal Services, Ottawa while a student and later appeared as counsel before his panels doing refugee claims. He was always the best at what he did. His insights were the best, always compassionate, kind and understanding. No better advocate existed for refugees in Canada and the world. A very well deserved rest my friend. You gave it your all and will be sorely missed. To the family, please don't be sad. Be courageous and strong in his passing. That am sure is all he will ask for. A very well fulfilled and complete life. Adieu Peter
James C. Simeon
November 6, 2023
My sincere condolences to the Showler family. Peter was an amazing person who just made everything that much better. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Gregg Erauw & Stefanie Ligori
November 6, 2023
We are deeply saddened by Peter´s passing and we send our heartfelt sympathies to Ellen and the rest of his family.
Peter had a profound impact on our lives. Peter was always there for us to offer support and encouragement throughout our personal journeys studying in his refugee law class at the University of Ottawa, working with him at the Refugee Forum, and later working as lawyers in refugee law. He was generous with his time and mentorship. He was humorous, thoughtful and wise in his words. He was to the point and no nonsense. He was kind.
What a rich and beautiful life you lived, Peter. You are the model of a life well-lived to which we aspire. The positive impact you´ve had on countless lives will persist for generations. Your legacy will live on in the hearts and actions of the students, lawyers, advocates and colleagues that you have taught, guided and led along the way. You will forever have our love, admiration, and deep gratitude.
Kim Pate
November 5, 2023
Heartfelt condolences to all who mourn the passing of Peter
Tess Acton
November 5, 2023
I count myself among the lucky students who got to take Prof Showler's refugee law class at uOttawa. His teaching shaped my further studies and work in refugee law. His integrity, empathy, and quick wit have inspired and impacted so many lives, mine included. My deepest condolences to his loved ones on this immeasurable loss.
Jacques Despatis
November 5, 2023
Condolences to family and friends. I have known Mr Showler for many years when appearing before the RPD (back in the previous century). He inspired so many of us to continue and believe in the value of representing refugees. Also met him cross country skiing and always impressed by his performances. Will be missed in the professional community. Ce fut un honneur de vous connaître et de travailler avec vous M. Showler. Mes sympathies à toute la famille durant cette période difficile.
Susan B Boyd
November 5, 2023
I remember Peter very fondly from my Ottawa days. A lovely man. Sincere condolences to Ellen and all who loved him.
John Ankenman
November 5, 2023
Peter´s brother Gavin introduced us. Peter was kind enough to refer fam to me for legal advice. I was aware of his stature in the national immigration field, yet he was always humble. A good life, a well deserved rest.
Christian Fournier
November 4, 2023
Monsieur Showler, merci à vous aussi! I just re-read what you wrote for me on the 2nd page of Refugee Sandwich. These words still resonate years after we met in Mexico. And years later, you'd salute me by first name as if I was a close friend. My friend Roberto Miranda and you were close and I always knew why, the humanity in us all you saw better than most of us. I had the good fortune to cross paths with you again at work an you provided, another time, important words. I wish I had reached out more recently to tell you: I am good, it worked out, thanks for the guidance. For all of this, merci à vous aussi, Mr. Showler. To family and close friends, my deepest sympathies.
Lois
November 4, 2023
An immense loss. My most sincere condolences to his family and friends. Like so many others, I had enormous admiration and affection for Peter with whom I worked over the years.
Marion Moritz
November 4, 2023
So many memories, starting from the time our daughters shared 7 years at OMS , to the most recent, at ZANI's poetry reading this past summer . I knew Peter as a loving husband, father, passionate and idealistic defender of human rights, lover of good music- frequent Blues Fest attendee- and a genuine, no artifice, gentle truth speaker. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him - but this is one man whose spirit will prevail .
Hazrat Wahriz
November 4, 2023
My dear brother, may you rest in peace. You did everything a kind-hearted person could do in this world. Our schoolgirls and teachers from the school that bears your name are mourning alongside your friends and family members.
Joanna Berry
November 4, 2023
I am so grateful that our paths crossed in 2011, when Peter travelled to Western University to tell my cohort of grad students about a new, scrappy social justice organization: The Canadian Association of Refugees Lawyers (CARL). Peter said: "CARL, like the name of a guy from a bowling league." So many good things have come from Peter's humour, empathy, hard work, and unfaltering commitment to human rights.
Maryann Lane
November 4, 2023
I had the pleasure of working with Peter at the Immigration and Refugee Board. I send my condolences to Ellen and the family.
Michèle Dextras
November 4, 2023
Ellen, Jean-Claude and I offer you and your daughters our sincere condolences. Losing a long time partner leaves a large hole in our heart.
Loren Balisky
November 4, 2023
What a loss, especially in a world that more than ever needs Peter. He leaves a legacy of truth-telling, relational warmth, accessibility, and advocacy. He leaves light and hope.
Betsy Kane
November 3, 2023
Condolences to Peter's family, former colleagues and friends. He was a real mench. He will be dearly missed.
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