On September 28th, 2023, we lost our dear Peter to complications following major heart surgery.
From a boyhood start in the Perth Tea Room and Candyland, the Moskos family businesses in Perth, Ontario, Peter developed talents as a cook, a candy maker and, most of all, as someone who made friends and gathered stories wherever he went. Studies in philosophy at York University, Toronto and at New College Oxford, formed him as a clear thinker. As a teacher of English in the Carleton Board of Education and as a writer and partner at Gordon Group, a creative services company in Ottawa, Peter taught, perfected and marketed compelling writing.
Peter was deeply musical. Classical music played in his head at all times. After he and Margaret moved to Vancouver, he took delight in singing with Opera Pro Cantanti, the Oratorio Singers, and at the Vancouver Orchestra School of Music. Peter was a patron of many musical organizations in the city. At the same time, he became actively involved in the BC Branch of Editors Canada. He took equal pleasure in mentoring young singers and up-and-coming editors.
Peter was deeply satisfied that his sons, Alexander and Gregory, became good cooks, that music was central to their lives, and that each could write compelling prose. He proudly encouraged his wife, Margaret, his sisters, Connie and Evie, and his niece Alysa in their professional pursuits.
Peter was dearly loved and will be missed by his wife Margaret Archibald, his sons, Alexander (Jessica Mensch) and Gregory, his sister Connie Vanderwaardt (Sebastian), his niece Alysa Giesbrecht (Scott) and his great-niece Kara. Peter was predeceased by his parents Chris and Rita Moskos, and his sister Evie Moskos. His family and many friends will miss his stories and will certainly remember his hearty laugh.
Donations in Peter’s memory may be made to The Vancouver Music in the Morning Society: https://www.musicinthemorning.org/give/ . Donations will go to sponsoring a week of performances in February 2024 by Mezzo-Soprano Julie Nesrallah and Pianist Kinza Tyrell. As was his nature, Peter would encourage you to support local, family-run businesses in your area, and to enjoy stories, music and good food.
Celebrations of Peter’s Life will be held in Vancouver at VanDusen Botanical Garden, Floral Hall, on May 3rd, 2024, 12:30 - 3:30 pm and in Ottawa at Beechwood Cemetery, on June 7th, 2024, at 1:00-4:00 pm.