Peter Suttie – Saying Goodbye
I’m thinking of Peter Suttie this morning. Another person I’m going to miss until I can’t miss anymore.
I just found out that Peter died on December 12, 2020 at 72. For those of you who knew him, there are a few more details here, and you can leave a note for Peter’s wife and family.
Peter was one of a kind, to say the very least. He came into our lives through a random occurrence, on an impromptu road trip he and Jim Porcher took from Montreal heading “East”. They ended up in Saint John and saw a guitar in the window of an upholstery shop run by my step-mother Marilynn. So in they went, to ask about the guitar. Dad & Mal invited them back to the farm for the evening, and a life-long friendship was formed.
This photo, from 1972, was taken fairly soon after that, if not on that first meeting/visit. Dad and Peter playing on the steps of one of the cabins at our farm on the Kingston Peninsula, NB.
Peter was a bigger-than-life figure in my childhood. He was married, the first time, at the farm and moved East for a while. I remember, vividly, Peter’s short stint as Gurgles the Sussex Ginger Ale clown. It was so etched into my little mind that I can’t even look at a can of Sussex Ginger Ale without thinking of Peter and smiling. He also hosted a music show on CBC out of Halifax, I believe. But we didn’t have a TV, so sadly I didn’t get to see it.
He was a family man, a family friend and a strong cheerleader of my life. Peter and Jim would drive down from Toronto to see me when I was performing in plays at University, drag me off for a late dinner and hand me bottles of wine for the parties. When I moved to Toronto for work-terms and later full time, we connected over late-night BBQ pork and noodles at Kam Kuk Yuen, pool and beers, and lunches on Bay Street. We’d eat, drink, joke, talk and catch up on each other’s lives. But let’s be fair, he usually listened and offered advice.
I have always seen Peter as family, one of those extended family, adopted-uncles some of us are lucky enough to have. The ones that come along, teach you about life and help you keep a smile on your face even when things are tough.
Peter Suttie was all things entertaining from bad jokes, of which he had a LOT, to music which felt like it was the core of who he was beyond all else.
I was very lucky he was part of the village that made me who I am. Peter, thank you and you are missed.
Alexa, I’m saddened to hear Peter died. I met him and Jim Porcher in the 80’s through my then brother-in-law, Jules Paquette. He was truly larger than life and one of those unforgettable people you meet.
Hi Danny, yes, it was sad news for sure. And there is no doubt he was unforgettable. Thanks for dropping the note and I hope you are well, Danny.
I’m one of those who just discovered that Peter is gone. Met him in TO through Jim Porcher and Gary Webber. Peter was pretty down and out after he and Nancy split up. I had just bought a house in Florida with a mother in law suite that needed work. I drove to TO, picked Peter up and he moved in with me. He met Kay and they married on the beach. Last I knew he and Kay were living north of TO. Peter, Jim and Gary were my dearest friends. I miss them.
I am just learning of Peter Suttie’s death—inconceivable!–he was one of the kids—pure youthful vigor—pure beauty in his person–with a voice whose depth stirred my very foundations even when speaking–when he sang–there are no words for how moved I could be. I am grateful to have had him pass through our lives–even for the short times he was near us!