Search by Name

Search by Name

Father J. Brian Peckham S.J.

J. Peckham Obituary

FATHER J. BRIAN PECKHAM, S.J. At the Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, on October 19th, 2008, surrounded by family and friends. He was 74 years old, in his 58th year of religious life, and 41st year of priesthood. He was born in Montréal, Quebec on January 28th, 1934, son of Sydney Brittain Peckham and Elizabeth Caroline. Brian entered the Roman Catholic religious order the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) in 1951, and was ordained a priest in 1967. He became a professor of Biblical Studies, and then of Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations at Regis College in the Toronto School of Theology and at the Centre for the Study of Religion at the University of Toronto. He was a respected scholar, and a beloved teacher and friend. He is survived by four sisters, a brother, and numerous nephews and nieces. Friends may call at the Rosar-Morrison Funeral Home & Chapel, 467 Sherbourne St. (south of Wellesley) on Wednesday, October 22nd, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church (Sherbourne at Earl) on Thursday, October 23rd, at 10:30 a.m. Burial to follow at 3:00 p.m. at the Jesuit Cemetery in Guelph. In memory of Father Peckham, donations may be made to the Jesuit Development Office, 43 Queens Park Crescent East, Toronto, Ontario M5S 2C3.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Toronto Star from Oct. 21 to Oct. 22, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for J. Peckham

Not sure what to say?





12 Entries

James Dunn

November 3, 2008

I just heard about Fr. Brian passing away. Sympathies go out to Hugh and Ruth Peckham of Granby and Patricia Dunlavey of Bromont and all other family members. God Bless and Keep well.

Jim Dunn (Edna Dunlavey and Peter Dunn's son)

Mary Elizabeth Peckham

October 25, 2008

To Brian's Family: Hugh (My Dad), Maureen, Clare, Thora, and Patricia

First, like many family members, we were unable to be near Brian during the past few difficult months. I would like to acknowledge the comfort I was able to experience just in knowing Brian was in such loving care from his immediate family. Thank you to Thora and Patricia's compassionate work during the past few months enabling Brian to be on a peaceful and sacred journey to be with the Father. Also, knowing and hearing about the prayers and phone calls that came from family and the Jesuits was equally comforting. Brian was loved and respected as a brother, uncle, mentor, Jesuit priest and friend.

Second, my growing up years are filled with so many wonderful memories of Brian. One of my most notable memories was the occasion of being only 3 years old and Sidney Peckham, Grandad, flying all of us from Montreal to Toronto to be a part of Brian's ordination. Very special.

Finally, thank you Brian for inspiring me to believe, to enter each day with joy, to seek knowledge, and to serve the call of courage, love, and compassionate.

With love and gratitude,
Elizabeth Peckham
Wayne and Jacob

Baruch Levine

October 24, 2008

It was an honor to know Brian Peckham, both as a ascholar and a fine human being. My wife, Corinne, joins me in expressing our daness at his passing, and ask for God's comfort for those who mourn.

rev.dr.peter long

October 24, 2008

with the assurance of our prayers for brian,rip.

Patout Burns

October 23, 2008

Brian began his teaching career at Regis out on Bayview; he and Sean McEvenue transformed our study of the Bible. He was a demanding teacher and a good mentor.

Grace Ko

October 22, 2008

I am profoundly grateful of having the privilege to study under Professor Brian Peckham. He taught me Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Habakkuk. His scintillating and stimulating questions often led me to tackle issues that I would otherwise have missed. His passion for the Scripture and his scholarship were much admired by both his colleagues and students alike.
I was revising the second last chapter of my dissertation when news came that he had passed away. Needless to say, I was saddened and lost, for he was also my thesis advisor. He read through my drafts with great care and provided pages of helpful, hand-written comments. In my several visits to his office, he was free with his advice, lavish with his wisdom and encouragement. Even in the last letter that he wrote to me in September, he was concerned that he did not get back to me as promptly as he would like because he had a stroke in August. I am forever indebted to him for his teaching and his friendship.
May our Heavenly Father receive His servant into His eternal glory!

Sargon Donabed

October 22, 2008

A million words come to mind when I think of Professor Brian Peckham. But they are all feeble in their praise. Of all of them compassionate and encouraging are among the best. An amazing teacher, a wonderful and kind mentor, and a cheerful friend who was always around for lunch with a student at the Madison, or a simple laugh in his office. More than anything, I will miss him for his constant encouragement and guidance. Those who were fortunate to have known him were truly blessed. This wise and graceful man will live on forever in our hearts and smiles.

Graham Fagan

October 22, 2008

Hugh , Maureen , Clare , Thora , and Trish .....
Although I lost touch with Brian many years back , our shared families childhoods on Belmont Ave . always bring back many happy memories ....
I'm sure the Lord God our Saviour will welcome his servant with love and kindness .

Graham Fagan
London , ON.

Christine Peckham

October 21, 2008

A visit from uncle Brian meant you might catch a glimpse of the ancients. His studies in France gave him a perfect Lyonnais french which would leave us either giggling or puzzling as to what had been said. If that didn't stump us, one of the other languages he knew would get put to use. Brian's travels gave him an air of worldliness that inspired us to investigate the landscape.
Later on, when Toronto became home, he was easy to track down in his little office on Bloor St. Brian seemed to somehow be able to place you at the centre of his universe for the time you would be together.

Kevin Snow

October 21, 2008

It was great having Brian "JB" as my uncle. I will always cherish his warmth, humour, ready answer to any question, and great times spent at the "Madison".

Kevin

July, 1984 - The midway at the Calgary Stampede

October 21, 2008

Sister Elizabeth Davis

October 21, 2008

To the Jesuit Community, Faculty and Staff of Regis College and the Family of Father Peckham, It is with deep sadness that I have learned about Father Peckham's death. Please accept my sympathy to all of you in your loss of this colleague and friend. I regret that I will not be able to attend the wake and funeral since I am away from Toronto for the next ten days.
It was a joy and a privilege for me to be Brian's student. He taught me Deuteronomy and Aramaic; he was on my Advisory Committee, and he accompanied me through one of my comprehensives. He was one of my examiners in the Oral Comprehensive and, in his own way, turned that exam into a delightful conversation in which he treated me as an equal. He deepened my love for Scripture and helped me learn new ways of ensuring that students read the words of Scripture not just "about" the words of Scripture. I will be forever grateful that he was part of my doctoral study.
May the memory of his wisdom, his teaching and his respect for students be a source of strength and comfort for all of you as you mourn his death. May he rest now in God's peace and love for all eternity.

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results

Memorial Events
for J. Peckham

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.