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In Loving Memory: Celebrating the Life of a Remarkable Father and Devoted Husband: Peter Hoisak September 16, 1938 - August 25, 2023.
It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Peter Hoisak, age 85, in his cherished country home in Baltimore in Hamilton Township near Cobourg Ontario. In the early morning hours of Friday, August 25th, we lost our patriarch.
Peter was the devoted husband to Patricia Anne Page-Hoisak. They were married December 26th, 1964 in Montreal, Quebec and he stayed true to his vows in sickness and health to care for his dear Patsy to the best of his abilities. Their partnership was a testament to the strength of their bond, built on a foundation of unwavering love, respect, and shared dreams. Peter found solace and joy in the company of his family, and his role as a husband, father and grandfather brought him an abundance of happiness and fulfillment.
Peter was born in Montreal QC on September 16th, 1938 to Mary and John Hoisak. Growing up in Montreal, he was a shining star on the football field, basketball court and in track & field, at one point holding many individual high school athletics records in the City of Montreal. Peter was a member of the Verdun Shamcats Junior Football Championship winning team. In 1958 he attended Mount Allison University in New Brunswick where he excelled in basketball and football while studying engineering. He was later named to the Mount Allison Hall of Fame. He transferred to McGill University in Montreal to finish his civil engineering degree where Pete “Animal” Hoisak wore #32 as a Defensive End on the elite 1960 McGill Football Canadian University Championship team. After a short stint playing for the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, he returned to Montreal to earn his Master of Business Administration from McGill in 1968.
Peter worked as a surveyor in northern Quebec and later at Canadian National Railways in Montreal, before moving his young family to Ottawa ON where he served in the role of Director of Rail Freight Policy at Transport Canada until his retirement in 1994. Peter was instrumental in guiding the needed twinning of freight rail routes across the Canadian Rockies. In retirement, Peter continued his passion for golf and Bridge, gathering both a low RCGA player handicap in the former and Master’s points in the latter. He also enjoyed curling, racquet sports, and skiing. Peter was an active member of the communities in which he lived, serving in his church St. Mary the Virgin in Gloucester ON and coaching boys’ hockey and baseball in Blackburn Hamlet ON. More recently, Peter was a member of St. Peter’s Anglican church in Cobourg ON and served as a member of the Patient and Family Advisory Council at the Northumberland Hills Hospital.
Peter is survived by his sons Jonathan Hoisak (Cara Campbell) of Milwaukee WI, Christopher (Stacey Nice) of Toronto and Jeremy Hoisak (Nicholas Rice) of San Diego CA and sister Helen Hoisak, and is predeceased by his sister Olga and brother Johnny. He will be fondly remembered by his sisters-in-law Cynthia Hoisak, Carol Page (Winston Emery), and Margot Page (Ulrich Briner). Peter was a passionate cheerleader and generous Papa to his grandchildren Cuyler and Riley Hoisak. He instilled in them the values of perseverance, teamwork, fair play and the importance of embracing challenges with determination and sustained effort. Uncle Peter was a beloved figure to his nieces and nephews Dean Hoisak, Marike Emery, Simon Jay, Matthew Curtis, Lauren Whittle (nee Curtis) and Andrew Curtis. Peter will also be dearly remembered by his cousins in Minnesota and friends in Ottawa, Montreal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Peter’s legacy as a husband, father, athlete and member of the community is a reflection of his character and the values he held dear, and his shining example instilled those values in his children and grand-children. He will forever be remembered for his love and dedication to his family, generosity and genuine kindness to others. His spirit lives on in the hearts of Patricia and family and his memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know him.
A celebration of Peter’s life will be held at a later date and time to be announced.
In lieu of flowers or cards, please consider a donation to The Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation.
I saw this obituary by chance. It’s been several decades since I was part of his ‘clan’ but I recall him as truly nice person; a good brother, husband, and father to the Page and Hoisak clans.
Mr. Hoisak, Peter, will be greatly missed. Sorry for your loss.
It was my intention to be at the Celebration of Life yesterday, but something came up and l wasn’t able to be there. Pat was a member of my lunch group in CFUW-Northumberland, and l have enjoyed many good bridge with Peter…. a lovely man who will be very much missed. My sincere condolences to Pat and sons.
I’m so sorry that we couldn’t make it today. Your family were the best neighbours we ever had. Give Pat a hug !! Much love and prayers. Sally, Jim, and Sandra
Dear Uncle Peter. Always remembered, never forgotten. Rest now.
While I never knew Pete that well, I felt he was always the rock behind Pat who in turn was the rock behind me as I attempted more and more ingenious ways to teach at Riverview. My sincere condolences to Pat and all the Hoisak family.
Peter and I played on the same football, basketball and track & field teams at Mt. Allison and remained in touch for the next 60 or so years. Over the years we played squash a few times in Ottawa and golf a few times in Florida, downed a few beers and reminisced each time. When Peter arrived at Mt. A., we Sackville lads were always vaguely suspicious of 'upper Canadians'; he quickly broke that image and became one of us! Rest in peace, Peter, my friend.
We were so very sad to hear about Peter.We have some great memories of times we were able to meet up on their holiday to the UK. He will be sadly missed
Dear Mrs. Page-Hoisak, I am writing to express my deepest sympathies to you, and your family about the death of your husband, Peter Hoisak. While words do not provide adequate consolation for the loss of a loved one, please know that my colleagues and I at the Faculty are with you in our thoughts. Sincerely, Viviane Yargeau Dean, Faculty of Engineering McGill University
Dear Hoisak Family, Our deepest sympathies to you and the family during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Although their time at The Shores was not long, it was clear that Peter was blessed with the most devoted wife, Patricia and loyal dog, Zorro. He will be sorely missed. From your friends at The Shores of Port Credit
So sorry to hear this sad news. We had only known Peter since 2017 and finally met him and Pat in 2019 after much nagging/video calls to make the journey over from North Wales, UK. Similar to the message below from Kath & Roger, their kindness and hospitality made it feel like we'd known them for years. We'll always remember your 'Western Sandwich' Peter. A lovely man. Our thoughts are with Pat and all the family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
You will be missed. Roger and Sherrill
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
We only met Peter and Pat in 2018 when they visited mum in England. After a couple of hours we felt as if we had know them for years. We were then invited to stay at their beautiful home in Baltimore where we spent some quality time with them What a wonderful couple. Our memories of Peter in particular are his drive out of Toronto Airport with Pat yelling instructions at him from the back of the car, his amazing BBQs, his knowledge of the birds in the garden, his warmth and love shown to his lovely wife and then a year later in lockdown the zoom calls we managed to have after several attempts at connecting. We are so grateful to have met Peter and privileged that we were able to spend that time with him. A wonderful man.
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember Peter as a kind person who loved his family and cared for his neighbours and friends. We will miss him.
Sad to lose Mr Hoiz. Pete was a great dad growing up in Blackburn. Funny, understanding and always a big part of the community. Coached me in hockey and baseball. Fun times. His spirit lives on.
Truly beautiful words to describe a lovely soul I had just met along with his beautiful wife, Pat. The last words I heard Peter say was; "where is my beautiful bride.....". I was honoured to see both Peter and Pat take care of each other, True love and respect I would say! My deepest condolences to Pat and family.
My deepest condolences to Pat and the Hoisak family on Peter's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
After reading Peter's obituary I realized how modest he was, another quality to add to his many others. Peter was always pleasant at the bridge table to his opponents as well as to his partner. We will miss him. Sincere condolences to his family.
The Members of the NHH Auxiliary Volunteers wish to extend their deepest condolences to the Hoisak Family on the loss of Peter, your loving father and husband to Pat, Past-President of the NHH Auxiliary.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Peter You were a Champion..one of the best and a loyal husband to my beloved sister Pat..a fantastic Dad to Jon .Chris and Jeremy..your spirit lives on in their love for your teaching them values in life...they have learned well. They will support Patsy as you did...they will carry the burden willingly. Rest In Peace and may you meet Patsy in another sphere and know each other again. God bless you. Migs
Our most sincere condolences to Pat and family. A donation has been made to Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation .
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
I had an incredible amount in common with PETER. Same age within a few days Civil engineer MBA 68 Worked for CANADIAN NATIONAL My thoughts are with the family TULLIO
To my Dear Friend Pat, her boys John, Jeremy, and Chris, and their two cherished Grandkids Cuyler, and Riley. Bill and I will always miss Pete, but we will remember the fun times we had being neighbors. Our dinners, parties,Christmas get togethers, or just getting together for a cup of tea, glass of wine or a scotch. We always watched out for you and you always watched out for us. We will always keep watch and remember Pete always. Our love to our Dear Friend Pat her Boys, and to your Grandkids. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. RIP Pete!
Dear Pat and family and our dear relatives in Canada, On behalf of all relatives from Slovakia please accept my deepest condolences. We think of you often and remember our meeting in Prague. Thank you we got the opportunity to meet you. God bless you Sincerely Maria Hudakova ? ??
So sorry Pat. Bernie
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Dear Pat, Jo -Anne ( deceased, October 13, 2022) and I had so many fond experiences, and great memories, of our travels together with you and Peter. At that time, I had no idea of his many and varied life accomplishments. My condolence to you and your family upon your loss! Most sincerely, Ed Tweedy
So very sad to hear of Pete’s passing, yet it is comforting to know he quietly fell asleep. He truly was a great, funny (and clever) guy. I have fond memories of him which will remain with me forever. My heart goes out to all of his loved ones. God bless you all. Xxx
Dear Pat and family, We were saddened to learn of Peter's death. Please accept our sincere condolences. Ron & Doreen
Dear Pat and family, Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of Peter. Barbara
Both Bruce ( Bowden) and I were saddened to hear of Peter’s death. We had enjoyed his company just a week or so before, at the duplicate bridge game, so the news came as a shock. Our other wonderful memories of both Peter and Pat were those on our trip to the south of France, about five years ago. We had a good time together there. Please accept our sympathy on the loss of a kind and thoughtful man. Sincerely, Anna Gray
My heartfelt condolences to the entire Hoisak family . I had the honour to meet Peter a few times and it was easy to like him . His wife Pat taught me grade 7 in Montreal in the late 60's . She was an excellent teacher like Peter was a nice person . I recall spending a weekend with them at their home in Baltimore Ont. back in 2016 , lovely hosts . Pete will be missed by everyone who knew him.
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Peters passing. He was such a gentleman at the bridge table- always pleasant and courteous at the bridge table to his partner and his opponents. He will be missed.
To Pat, Jon, Crhis and Jeremy, please accept my deepest confolences at this difficult time of losing, for Pat a devoted husband and you you guys a devoted father. I cerish his memory, and remember him well from our time together at McGill MBA, as I recall he was a engineer, who always had a very practical point of view, and was always ready to help with complicated statistical issues or computer programing. If I recall we met last at the reuinon held 5 years ago(50 years) at the house fo Tulio in Montreal. May Peter's memory be cherished and let the mightly Lord guard his soul.
With sympathy and well wishes to all of Peter's family. Jonathan, Christopher ,and Jeremy you will always have the treasure of your memories of Peter, as I do having enjoyed my time travelling with him and your wonderful mother Pat in the south of France. Just a reflection from your eulogy, I do wish I had been able to play a round of golf with him.
Dearest Pat and all of Peter Hoisak's family. I am so sad and sorry to learn of Peter's death. Peter was my favorite cousin for the past 80 Years when I first met the Hoisak family .He loved and was so proud of all of you. Please let me know his cause of death as he was so active all of his life. Also, let me know of the future arrangements and where to send a Memorial. Pat, my love goes out to you. Memory Eternal Dorothy Hafich OReilly
To the family of Peter - May your memories bring you comfort and peace. He will be missed at the bridge table for sure.
So Sorry to hear of Peter's passing. We were neighbours for many years in Blackburn Hamlet and peter and i often rode the #25 to and from work together. I remember him as a serious reader of big books on the bus. Jeremy I recall the years with the hockey team and how proud your dad was of you. We attended the same university and your dad was an athletic legend at Mt A. I still can still hear his voice and I know you always will too. Sincere wishes for good memories and God's peace! Blair
All my sympathy to Peter’s family on his passing. We met at duplicate bridge, where he was a kind and considerate partner to many different players, including me. We also had a connection through Pat’s involvement in CFUW, and observed his tender care of her, as she became unwell. I am sure he will be greatly missed here, as well as by his family.
Peter was always a gentleman at the bridge table. We had many interesting conversations after playing a set of hands and before the next round was called. Condolences to the family.
I was a long-time Bridge partner of Peter's. My condolences to the family. He was a really great guy and will be truly missed. Jim Ronson
Wow, who knew of Peter's many athletic and professional accomplishments. I just played a few rounds of golf with him and I'm just glad I was competitive against such an accomplished athlete. A friendly presence at the bridge table and never upset if either top or bottom. I will miss Peter at the bridge club and was shocked upon hearing the news of his passing. I hope there is a good golf course and bridge club past the Pearly Gates.My thoughts and condolences are with his cherished family. Ron
Peter was a steady bridge player and very much appreciated by every one. Fondly remembered and sincere condolences.Regards Margaret