R. PETER GILLIN

It is with great sadness that the family of R. Peter Gillin announces his passing in Toronto on May 2, 2025. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 47 years, Dianne, a loving father to his four children, Sarah (David Matheson), Andrew (Samantha Weng), Elizabeth (Tom Jolliffe), and Claire (Brian Tinney), and cherished grandfather to Hazel, William, Franklin, Adeline, and Sophia. He is survived by his sister Christine Boriss (Dick), brother Philip Gillin (Ava Sands), sister Johanne Gillin-White (Cliff White), and sister-in-law Cathy Gillin. Peter was predeceased by his parents Charles and Madeleine, and brother Mark. Peter was born February 3, 1949 and grew up in London, Ontario. He was the second of five children in a tight-knit and busy household where roast beef dinners with family were a tradition. Friends of family members were always welcome and there were many who joined over the years. After graduating from the University of Western Ontario, Richard Ivey School of Business, with an HBA in 1971, Peter earned the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) designation at the same time as embarking upon an ambitious career in investment banking at McLeod Young Weir in Toronto. His work as a senior investment banker at Scotia McLeod continued until joining N. M. Rothschild & Sons Canada Limited and becoming Vice Chair. In the years following Rothschild, Peter's career in mining flourished, beginning with his role as CEO of Tahera Diamond, which built the first diamond mine in Nunavut, and later as a director and chairperson at numerous mining companies such as Sherritt International, Turquoise Hill, Dundee Precious Metals, and Wheaton Precious Metals. He had a strong commitment to the arts community taking on board roles at the Canadian Stage as well as the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and was Chair of the Board of the Toronto East General Hospital (now, Michael Garron Hospital). Peter was an enthusiastic and respected business leader with a tireless drive for success at the many companies he worked with throughout his distinguished career. His thoughtful counsel to fellow business leaders was integral to the success of these companies and he was deeply respected for his unwavering integrity and calmness in the face of adversity. He was an inspiration to many and devoted considerable time to the thoughtful mentorship of many professionals during his life, instilling in them a resolute ethical compass that was the hallmark of Peter's storied career. Peter and Dianne met in 1974, both ambitious young professionals. Peter studied for his CFA alongside Dianne, who was studying to become a Chartered Accountant. They married in 1978 and started their family in the Beach neighborhood of Toronto. Peter's dedication to his career was only surpassed by his deep love and devotion to his family. In 1988, while the family was still young, he and Dianne bought their cottage on Lake of Bays, starting a lifetime of memories on the Lake. Days and nights of laughter and happiness were filled with Monopoly and blackjack games, water sports, boating trips to get frozen yogurt, family dinners, and winter skiing at Hidden Valley. Peter cherished his time at the cottage with Dianne and their children, and many years later reveled in seeing his grandchildren enjoy the same activities. Afternoon boat rides with Grandpa were celebrated and will be missed. In recent years, Peter would never miss a perfect sunset on the dock, sitting alongside family and friends sipping a glass of red wine. Lifelong friendships were nurtured during summers over the last 35 years at the Lake, golfing at Bigwin Island, Canada Day BBQs, and countless shared meals and celebrations with beloved friends. Peter travelled to far corners of the world through his work, but most of all he enjoyed his adventures with his family. Traveling as a family of six would not have been easy, but the indelible memories, the countless stories, and ensuing laughter were well worth it. Above all, Peter will be remembered as a father to his beloved children. He provided endless and unwavering support to them, as they forged their own paths, all the while gently guiding and encouraging them as they navigated life. He was enormously proud of each of his children and the adults they have become; and as the family gathered in his final days he basked in their strength, enduring love, and so many wonderful memories of a life together. A Funeral service will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Toronto, 78 Clifton Rd, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. As expressions of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Peter's memory to the St. Michael's Hospital Foundation designated to the Cardiology Department at St. Michael's Hospital: www.stmichaelsfoundation.ca/petergillin. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.