Peter Roger Bryar
December 28, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Roger Bryar at the age of 84 at his home, surrounded by his family, on December 28, 2025.
Beloved husband and best friend of Jill and devoted father to Patrick (Kalani) and Joanne (Fraser), Peter adored his grandson Alex and granddaughter Hunter, who comforted him in his final days.
Peter was born in Horsforth, England, to Elsie and Kenneth Bryar. Peter is survived by two loving sisters, Susan and Helen, who visited him in Canada when he was unable to travel to the U.K. At the age of 12, Peter joined a group of boys who sailed a 47-foot ketch to France each Summer. He loved to sail and the responsibility that came with maintaining the boat during the winter months. In 1967, Peter emigrated to Canada and began a lifelong career with MTO: his work was his passion, and he was always eager to talk about the highways. In 1968, he started diving around shipwrecks off Kingston, in Lake Ontario. Peter was always interested in history and the Civil War in particular. In 2019, his daughter Joanne drove him to Gettysburg. This was a highlight for Peter. His son Patrick arranged a trip for him to Dayton, Ohio, to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, in Dayton, Ohio and by request, he returned to visit several more times.
The family extend their deep gratitude to Ontario Health at Home who provided Palliative Care for Peter for six months. Our gratitude goes to the Care coordinator, Agata Dabrowski. Daily visits from the PSWs and nurses provided Peter with loving and compassionate care while supporting Jill and the family. Special thanks to Mary, Alvin, Leslie, Esosa, Blessing, Sarah and Dawn. The nurses; Sabu, Ajeesh, Cordelia, Megan and the doctor, Dr. Achtar, who always ensured Peter’s comfort. We will forever be grateful for how they all cared for Peter with compassion and supported our family.
A celebration of life for Peter will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Westview Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sharing of memories will be held at 4:00 p.m. To register for the livestream, click on Remembering Peter.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Peter are asked to consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
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My lovely Uncle and birthday buddy. We will always keep you with us and remember your kindness and great sense of humour. Love you xxx
So sad to lose a kindred spirit: a special friend who will never be forgotten. Much love from us both.
My dear brother Peter, you will always be in my thoughts. Peter was always so kind, he was my rock. Fortunately, once he moved to Canada, we were able to see him several times. From the time we spent in the USA and many visits after, and the times he was able to travel to England to stay with us. Peter, we shall always miss you, but it is comforting to know you are at peace after your long battle with ill health: which you bravely bore. Farewell 'till we meet again. Suzanne -Budock Water, Cornwall-January 16, 2026
Peter, my lovely brother. How sad I am to lose you. I was only four when you left home for university, and although we didn’t have the chance to spend as much time together as we might have wished, you were always there for me — a steady rock whenever I needed one. You took such care of me when I was a little girl and sat between you and Jill at the cinema, you taught me to dive and gain a taste for whisky when I was a naughty 15 year old and you looked after me again when my dear Bob died. From that moment on you were a constant source of strength and support. We shared laughs, happy family moments in the Keg and with your wisdom put the world to rights. I will miss you more than words can say, my special big brother, but you will always be in my heart.
Thinking of you and sending you all my love. So sorry for your loss.
Thank-you, precious Friend, for enriching my life and helping me through some pretty rough water. I shall miss you being here among us, but know we shall meet again one day, and how joyful that reunion will be! Fair weather and following seas, dear Peter, as you journey on.
Dearest Auntie Jill, Patrick, Jo, Alex and Hunter, We are all so very sorry for your loss, such a sad time for you. The precious memories of your husband, dad & grandad, our Uncle Peter, will live on in all of you and he will always be remembered for the special man that he was. Nadine & I were both so lucky to have you at our weddings and we feel blessed to have had that special time with you both. Your family here in the UK are thinking of you all and sending all our love and thoughts to you at this time. Joelle, Nadine, Grant, Ella, Daisy, Johnny, Isabella & William xxxx
Jill & Family…there are no words for your incredible loss. What a beautiful tribute to Peter. Dennis and I are very sad to learn of Peter’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of my time in the Chatham District with Peter as our District Engineer. His knowledge of the ferry operations was insurmountable. Even after retiring, Peter’s advice and expertise were invaluable, often being contacted to share his ferry history/experiences. On a lighter note, Peter was forever threatening to relocate Judy McCarthy and I to some remote district office way up north near Red Deer Lake. His bark was worse than his bite, as we both retired in SW Ontario. I hope all your wonderful memories of a long life, well lived will bring you comfort through this difficult time. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Services for Peter Roger Bryar
Celebration of Life will be held at:
Westview Funeral Home & Cremation Centre
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario
January 17, 2026 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
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If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.
A donation has been made to Heart and Stroke. Message from the donator: The Bryar Family. I worked with Peter, in the early 1990’s, as District Municipal Engineer, in Chatham. Peter was a pleasure to work with and was always fair and supportive. He also loved his involvement with the construction, of the new Pelee Island Ferry, the Jiimaan. As I recall, he had a model of the ferry, in his office and made trips, involved with its construction. I worked with several District Engineers, and my time with Peter, was certainly, the most memorable and enjoyable. Thank you Peter! My heartfelt condolences to you, at this difficult time.
~ Tom Swan