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PETER CHARLES HOWARD "CHIEF" OLIVER

1948 - 2022

PETER CHARLES HOWARD "CHIEF" OLIVER obituary, 1948-2022, Toronto, ON

BORN

1948

DIED

2022

PETER OLIVER Obituary

OLIVER, PETER "CHIEF" CHARLES HOWARD Born July 30, 1948, in Cape Town, South Africa Died September 21, 2022, in Toronto, Canada Surrounded by his wife and children, Peter (74) passed away peacefully, after a battle with cancer. In a life full of accomplishments, Peter had no greater passion than his family. He relished every opportunity to teach his grandchildren about nature's interconnectedness at the family cottage on Lake Baptiste, his heaven on earth. After a long day in the garden, he could be found on his deck with a gin and tonic remarking "This is living." He is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Maureen; his children and grandchildren, Vanessa (Jaysen Smalley, Scarlett, Connor, Owen), Jessica (Alain Brandon, Ben, Eliane, Nicholas), Andrew (Alana Oliver, Jack, Charles) and Marc (Christine Oliver, Victoria). Peter's career in the hospitality industry spanned 45 years, including nearly 30 years at the helm of Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality. A natural leader, Peter's greatest strength was his ability to inspire and excite others with his trademark "YOU are the most important person in the company." Following Vanessa's diagnosis with type 1 diabetes in 1985, Peter began volunteering with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and never stopped. Even while battling cancer, he devoted himself to the $100M Campaign to Accelerate, for which he helped raise $69M. In his final days, he expressed disappointment in not achieving this goal. "A meaningful life," he said "is a series of goals and achievements."In 1992, Peter founded the Leacock Foundation, which has supported thousands of children with educational programming in Toronto and in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The family is grateful for the professionals who provided Peter with care, including: Drs. Menjak, Sahgal, Zappieri, Leighl, Desson,, Dev, Selby and countless nurses who worked under stressful circumstances with inadequate infrastructure. It is thanks to their commitment Peter lived his final chapter in dignity. In lieu of flowers, donations to the JDRF $100M Campaign to Accelerate or the Leacock Foundation are appreciated. Condolences or memories can be shared at peteroliver.ca. A Celebration of Peter's life will be held on Sunday, October 16th, at The Carlu. Details at peteroliver.ca.

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Published by Toronto Star on Sep. 24, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for PETER OLIVER

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15 Entries

Jean and Eric Orschel

November 17, 2022

We were so very saddened to hear of Peter's passing and send our deepest condolences to all of the Oliver Family. We feel so honoured to have met Peter and his family at Baptiste Lake where we shared two very meaningful passions with him - his love for nature and the inspiration of Yoga. We so admired his drive to educate other cottagers on the importance of maintaining healthy shorelines for the sustainability of the lake ecosystem. Peter helped to host numerous lake gatherings offering fine food right along with a lesson on how to improve the ecological value of your shoreline. One of our favorite summer memories at the lake is doing Yoga on the Oliver dock overlooking beautiful Baptiste Lake . It was so generous of Peter and his family to offer their space for cottage friends to gather and enjoy yoga practice. We will very much miss Peter's infectious smile and welcoming spirit at the lake as well as his environmental leadership.

Rosanna Caira

October 21, 2022

Condolences to the entire Oliver family and to the O&B family. Peter will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. He was a wonderful person, a passionate entrepreneur and an industry icon who made the hospitality industry infinitely better. He changed the Foodservice landscape in significant ways and served as a mentor to so many. He always had a sparkle in his eyes and a smile on his face, especially when he spoke of his greatest love - his family. He will be greatly missed but he´ll never be forgotten.

Hans Jorg and Marianne Reichert

October 13, 2022

Hans Jorg Reichert and Marianne Reichert
To:
Peter Oliver

Fri, Sept 23 at 6:54 p.m.



We were shocked this morning when we learnt that our Peter Oliver had left us far too early in his life.
Marianne and I met Peter for the first time in 1982/83 when we had the opportunity to visit and see his impressive "Oliver Bakery Concept" on Young street. At that time, people were not lining up for food anywhere, but Oliver Bakery had just hit the consumers´ wish list. Oliver Bakery was so busy that a long line of customers had to wait outside. We were taken and just couldn´t believe what Peter had created and built and that included his high-quality product offerings.



Peter Oliver has been a first-class entrepreneur and has rapidly become highly respected in his role as Restaurateur and Businessman. Peter was endless in his constant drive for new ideas, developing concepts and standing up for high-quality products and services.

Peter was extremely well-liked, and many people called him proudly a friend. As we used to say, he had his heart on the right side.



Peter´s tireless engagement and work with his exemplary attitude always had the right feeling about what the customer was looking for.

Peter eventually partnered up with well-known and foody Michael Bononcini. To the best of my knowledge, his sons started to play already some years ago a significant and responsible role in continuing the wonderful success of the firm and its remarkable restaurants.



The Team built and created over the years an enormous hospitality imperium which can be seen everywhere. We like to mention his wife, who strongly stood behind him and even continued her love for flying to provide extra support. The Oliver family had its dramatic issues and overcame them with strength and encouraging actions.



Peter can be extremely proud of what he has brought to many people as the leading Restaurateur in our community and elsewhere. Peter, for sure, did deserve to enjoy the fruits of his life for much, much longer. He will be missed and never forgotten.



After every opening of a new operation, we were impressed about so much know-how and ability to execute a new concept so formidable.



Marianne and I, with our twin daughters, tip our hats and, together with the millions of friends, colleagues and guests, wish Peter peace and rest, knowing that someone above is looking well after him.




Marianne and Jorg Reichert

Evelyn Reynolds

October 12, 2022

I first met Peter in 2010 when I approached him with a business idea - He generously listened as I painted a vision - one that he bought into and which a year later, after much effort on both sides and a lot of hours in a room with his dynamic son Andrew, resulted in a partnership with HBC. When we celebrated the opening of the fully renovated Arcadian court on May 2 a year later, we were jointly proud and excited. Over the years I developed great respect and affection for Peter and was truly saddened at his passing. Maureen and the family - I send you only my warmest wishes and know that the memories WILL sustain you. The sadness and loss don't go away - but the good memories take over. Peter was a true gentleman and one that I am proud to have known, whom I would like to call friend and whom I will not forget.

Frank de Vries

October 12, 2022

Peter was everything people have said about him in their memories and more. A friend, mentor, coach, cheerleader, and one of the most compassionate and caring individuals I've ever met.

At a low time in my business career, he was quick to reach out and helped rebuild the brand Perrier with a total act of kindness.

Peter was generous to a fault, sharing anything he had for the benefit of others even his beloved cottage. Just after acquiring it, he put it on a charity auction. I don´t think he had even spent a night in it yet. Not sure if he even consulted Maureen prior to donating it. That was Peter always thinking of others.

To Maureen and family, we share your sadness. Peter will be missed but not forgotten. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Herbert & Michelle Barnsteiner

Planted Trees

michael & isabella hewitt

October 8, 2022

Arriving at McGill from New Zealand in September 1969, I was apprehensive as to whether or not they even had a rugby team. I was pleasantly surprised to find that not only did they have one, but it was captained by a tall, rugged South African named Peter Oliver - a powerful runner with the ball, a terrific line-out jumper, and a superbly inspirational leader. He also was a keen and enthusiastic participant in the after-game sing-alongs - the influence of the U.K. members of the team .
Not quite so keen or enthusiastic were our respective girlfriends, Isabella and Maureen, who later became our spouses, and in turn the mothers of our children. Isabella and I were honoured to have Peter as a member of our wedding party. We shared the joy of raising young families, and Air Canada became a common link between myself and Maureen. Despite the geographical distance between Toronto and Montreal, we can clearly recall the excitement as Oliver´s Old Fashioned Bakery (I could´ve sworn it was Old Time!) flourished and expanded into an empire. Every four years, Peter and I looked forward to comparing the performance of the Springboks and All Blacks in the World Cup of Rugby.
His drive, passion and steely integrity will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences to Maureen and their entire family.

michael & isabella hewitt

October 8, 2022

michael & isabella hewitt

October 8, 2022

Renée Lavallée

October 3, 2022

I had the pleasure & honour of working for Peter for 2 years~ his wisdom, kindness & generosity when I worked at biffs & canoe were never unnoticed. I also still remember the day he asked me to cater one of your daughters 16th birthday parties at your home; to be honest, I still think back to your hospitality and how you made me feel like a family member and not a part of the staff . My thoughts are with all of the family. He was a great, loving, caring & passionate man who believed in many of us.

Patricia Hetherington

September 30, 2022

What a pleasure it was to work with Peter in his volunteer work with JDRF. I´ve never met a person with so much conviction, energy and zest for life. He will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to all of the Oliver family.

Donovan Goss

September 30, 2022

Maureen, I wish you all kids and grand-kids strength in mourning the loss of Peter. I owed so much to Peter and Rodger for helping me come to Canada. I will never forget his charisma, belief in people and his enthusiasm for life and success. He taught me that success breeds success and my life was enriched by having know Peter. I am so sorry that he was taken too early. All the best you.

Celine Wade

September 27, 2022

My deepest sympathies to you, Maureen, and your family. I have always admired the high energy´s of Peter. Thinking of you in those difficult times.
Céline Wade

Sharon and bruce

September 27, 2022

We remember peter fondly at the gym and his bright pink riding shorts - our thoughts and prayers are with Maureen and family

Roy Main

September 25, 2022

I first met Peter when his son Andrew and my son Adam played hockey
He was was always kind and engaging whenever we bumped into each other
So sad and far to young
A very nice man
Roy Main

Showing 1 - 15 of 15 results

Memorial Events
for PETER OLIVER

Oct

16

Celebration of Life

The Carlu

ON