Remembering
Peter Mulcair
Funeral for Peter Mulcair
August 8, 2020 at 11am
Attending the funeral in-person:
Date:
August 8, 2020
Time:
11am
Location:
Church of St. Anastasia
174, rue Béthany, Lachute, QC (map)
Zoom live-stream
August 8, 2020 at 11am
The funeral for Peter Mulcair was held on August 8, 2020 at Church of St. Anastasia in Lachute, QC.
The video below is the remembrance ceremony from outside the church, followed by the service given by Brother Terry.
If you would like to print the handout please click here to download it.
Remembering Peter
Words from family and friends
Peter Thank you for all my firsts
– Sean Mulcair
Seasons in the Sun
My brother Peter taught me about the love of quieter things like the comfort of a pet, the beauty of a lone bench by the water and the majesty of a tree. He taught me how to frame a photo through the lens of a camera and how to reframe a bad day “are we a happy camperrr…?” I can still hear him say it like it was yesterday with that huge, lingering grin.
He processed information about his environments deeply and had a gift for transforming ordinary moments into the extraordinary. I remember how proud Harry was the day Peter’s name appeared in the credits as a cameraman for CBC television news; it was their special New Year’s edition broadcast and Dad was quite literally hanging on the edge of his bench watching the credits roll down the screen, reading every single line until his son’s name appeared. There were no recordings back then; when things happened, they happened in the moment. And boy was that a moment this kid sister will never forget.
And then there was music. So much music. Of all the things I discovered with my brother Peter, a love of music is among the very top. I remember hanging out with Pete and his buddies on those long summer nights, a young girl in her pink elephant pajamas (talk about a buzzkill, I can’t believe he let me do it) listening to Frampton Comes Alive (no finer album was ever made) Alice Cooper and Bob Seger. But the greatest test of his brotherly sainthood came when I’d pester him to play Terry Jacks’ Seasons in The Sun — the song still gives me monster chills — and he’d always go along with it (as long as his buddies weren’t in earshot). Fair enough.
Pete’s insights into human nature were so sharp, they’d sometimes catch me off guard; like the morning of my wedding day when we were at the hairdresser’s together and he managed to summarize someone’s entire character using only 4 words; it sent the two of us into a tizzy of laughter, me with rollers in my hair, Pete with his camera swinging off his shoulder, the two of us roaring like kids in the parking lot (so weird the stuff you remember).
And he never lost that sense of humor either – two winters ago I sent Pete a couple photos of the boys and a nature shot I was pretty happy with. I got this in reply:
“merci pour les belles photo Kelly mais je suis le photographe de la famille”
Damn right.
Love you forever brother Pete, x.
– Kelly Mulcair
I am at a loss of where to begin with my feeling of sadness over our brother Peter’s passing. He was such a large part of my adult life that I struggle with a deep sense of loss and longing to hear his laughter again.
When our family moved to Toronto in 1991, Peter and I became closer than we ever had been growing up. He was seven years older than I was and that is a huge gap when you are in your teens. Miles and I both remember celebrating Peter’s 25th birthday in Montreal, and remarking to each other how old Peter was!!! For at that time in our lives he was a lot older. As with anything, time erases those gaps and we all just seem to get older, and age no longer matters. As much as I am loud, Peter was quiet and that combination worked brilliantly for both of us.
We would celebrate as often as we could during our years in Toronto, and enjoy the fact that we had each other, and our growing families became very close. Every year, we would celebrate Peter’s birthday with Beth’s great lasagna, Caesar salad and of course cake. Thanksgiving usually saw us together, as well as Christmas and our summer BBQ’s. Inevitably, Peter would be there taking pictures of everyone and for some reason he always took a few pictures of me basting the turkey or roast. There must be hundreds of pictures of me basting food over the years that Peter always joked about and became a tradition for us.
Our favourite thing at these celebrations was to try and catch each other up on the news of the family back home in Montreal. We always joked that news did not travel very quickly down the 401 so we tried to share whatever news we had to keep each other up to date. Peter missed Montreal very much and this also gave us an excuse to talk about what was going on in our home town.
Our most serious conversations were always about God. He truly believed that we would see a second coming during our lifetimes and we had long conversations about that. It took him a while to accept that I had become a Presbyterian instead of a Catholic, but after deep discussions on the fact that there was only one Jesus, he came around. His faith was unwavering and it was always a pleasure to have these discussions with him. I know he is in heaven, of that I have no doubt.
One of my fondest memories with Peter was taking a trip together to Gananoque to attend our uncle Jack’s funeral. He came and picked me up and off we went on our road trip. He had told me that he was feeling tired that day and that he would appreciate me driving home. I nearly fell off the church pew when he told me that, as he never let me drive his car. Driving was always one of his favourite pastimes so I was surprised when he suggested it. When the funeral and reception were over, he informed me that he was not feeling as tired, and that he would prefer to drive home. This did not surprise me in the least. I was not sure if he just didn’t trust my driving, or he just loved to drive so much that he didn’t want to give up the opportunity. I am going with the latter on that one.
When Peter told me about the operation he was going to have he was very excited. He knew that there were risks but he also knew that he wanted to spend as much time as possible with his children and grandchildren and that his health would jeopardize that. I supported him all the way and hoped that this would indeed be the best course of action for him.
Even though the results of the operation were not what anyone wanted or expected, he worked very hard at getting better and getting a life back. His short-term memory was gone; however, his long-term memory was excellent. He was able to talk about his children and his siblings with ease. We could still have long conversations together about life, Mom and everyone that was important to him. He was changed, and a new version of my brother, but the love and memories remained real for both of us.
He has left us far too soon, and we all miss him terribly but he has also left an incredible legacy. He has remarkable children and grandchildren and we will always see his sparkle and love in their eyes.
I miss you Peter, please say hi to Dad for me…
– Maureen Mulcair
Peter was a rock to me, the one who always said ‘hang in there’ as he coached with quiet kindness. His life will be remembered by his gentle eyes and huge heart. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ May he Rest In Peace
If someone was to ask me to describe my brother Peter it would be simple. He was a quiet soul who did not bounce forward but quietly watched from a distance. Whether it was people or nature he used his own lens to interpret the world. He loved his wife and children above all. When he became a grandfather it was his greatest joy. He will be treasured forever.
– Sheilagh Mulcair
A video by Deb Mulcair
The earliest memory I have of Pete, he is sitting in his favorite playpen, sucking his thumb and watching Colleen and Tom make mini volcanoes. They are using Dad’s Enos (major bubbles) mixed with mercurochrome (think red stain) over our newly installed carpet. When caught, fingers pointed at Peter, he just looks up, smiles and continues to suck his thumb.
His thumb was soon replaced by a camera but his smile and inner strength never left.
Summers were the best, he ran the Tuck Shop at the country club, swam for the lake, drove our 20hp mercury motor on a metal boat so we could waterski and dated the prettiest girl at Marois – she also happened to be my best friend which solidified my place with him. We had our favorite spot, a junkyard filled with broken cars, where we pretended to drive, smoked our first cigarettes and discussed dreams.
In high school Pete’s best friends were both over 6 feet tall in grade 10. They walked down the halls with Pete in the middle, once described as two book ends to Pete’s book. He grew over 12 inches that year, the growing pains he experienced were excruciating. He also struggled with allergies that brought on migraines. He never complained, would never let his pain be known.
When our parents moved up north I attended my last year of high school in a new school. Graduation Celebration was made possible thanks to Pete attending with his girlfriend Kathy, I tagged along with a mutual friend. We decided that we would have more fun eating at St Hubert, Pete ordered me a Pink Lady and spent the night laughing until early morning.
My first apartment on Victoria Avenue in Westmount was shared with our sister Colleen, brothers Tom and Pete. You could tell what day it was by what Pete ate for dinner. I dont think I would have had a proper meal if it hadnt been for Pete. He never stopped taking care of me.
He was the kindest brother, allowing me to hang with him throughout childhood, teens and into our twenties. Pete was our leader, he did it with very few words but the knowledge that we would follow him anywhere. I will miss his strength, words of wisdom, laughter, and faith.
– Jeannie Mulcair
1967: At Auntie Monique and Uncle Norman’s cottage on Lac des Seigneurs
Always curious with a knack for everything electronic and technical, I remember one day watching him take apart the toaster to see how it worked (he was at most seven years old)…and successfully put it back together!
During our summers at Fitzpatrick’s cabins, we had endless games of Monopoly, which was a great way for Pete to level the playing field with Colleen and me…he had the game figured out much better than we did.
I’ll never forget in the summer of ´64, when the song « Under the Boardwalk » came out, Pete heard it and ran up to me all happy: Tommy, did you hear: « Another Boardwalk », (which is how he heard the title). He was excited because he was convinced there would be a second Boardwalk property in what had become his favourite board game.
He was always one of the smallest in his class until age 15 when he sprouted a foot. Dad told me that his twin brother Bobby, had done the same thing.
1973: On Aylmer Street in Montreal
In 1973, when I started Law school, Pete was in second year CÉGEP and now living Up North where the family has just moved. He would sometimes stay in Town with me in the tiny room I rented in the McGill ghetto. This picture if the two of us was taken by Peter’s ever-present « Zenit » Russian 35 mm camera.
The next year, Colleen, Peter, Jeannie and I shared an apartment in the ‘family building’ on Victoria and Sherbrooke.
Hard to believe in this day and age but Jeannie was working at the bank and was 16 when we moved in!
Pete and I rented together for a couple of years in NDG and I can attest he followed the Canada food guide religiously: minced meat, potatoes and Southern Comfort!
Catherine and I were already together and whenever she’s come to Canada the three of us would be there together. Catherine and I still crack up sharing stories of those times. Pete had a great job at CFCF TV and was the kindest, most generous roommate you could have.
He was also one of the strongest people I’ve ever known: the Montreal phone book was about four inches thick and Peter could actually grab one and rip it in half. Quite a party trick 😉
It breaks my heart that he’s not with us anymore but when I see that trademark Pete twinkle in Kevin’s and Meaghan’s eyes, I know he has left a lasting, loving memory with his amazing kids and grandchildren.
– Tom Mulcair
Peter Mulcair Photography
Peter Mulcair was an accomplished photographer. View his work at www.mulcair.ca.
Photos of Peter
Through the years with family and friends
A photo slideshow will be presented on the day of Peter’s funeral. View the photo album.
Psalm 23
The Lord is my Shepherd
- The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
- He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
- He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
- Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
- Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
- Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
Desiderata
Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.