1927-2024
Peter Carling passed away peacefully with family by his side at home in Penetanguishene on January 25, 2024.
Born in England and raised in Wales, Peter graduated with an Honours degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Wales before his twentieth birthday. After National Service in England and Kenya, Peter worked in England and Wales for several years before he moved to Canada with a few letters of introduction and very little cash in his pocket. In short order he was working in Toronto and a few months later he returned briefly to the UK to marry the love of his life, Aelwen.
Peter had a successful engineering career and provided leadership to many. He championed flexible working hours years before that was the norm. His attention to detail and ability to find a single error in a hundred-page document remains noteworthy.
Peter was ahead of his time in that he was active with Aelwen in raising their four children. He was a time manager extraordinaire, writing his famous lists and tackling tasks diligently and with creative flair. There was nothing he couldn’t repair, build or improve. He made wine, played the piano, created and solved cryptic crosswords, and played chess, bridge and scrabble. In retirement, Peter read textbooks for the CNIB and made extensive recordings of books for his grandchildren. He and Aelwen travelled widely, enjoyed their cottage on Wymbolwood Beach, played word games intensively and well, and created beautiful gardens.
Peter was predeceased by Aelwen and will be forever missed by children Elizabeth, Glynis, Brenda and David and their spouses, (Dave, Bill and Emily), and by his grandchildren and their partners, (Jenn and Brandon, Lisa and Justin, Will and Emma, Alun and Clara, Ceri and Isaac, Bryn, Sara) and by his great-grandchildren, Owen and Emma. Peter’s unassuming manner, formidable intellect and mischievous sense of humour are an inspiration to us all.
Peter was proud of the care his children provided him, especially after Aelwen’s death. We are grateful for the time we spent with him and we thank the many personal support workers, doctors, nurses and other individuals and organizations who supported Peter and us.
Peter will also be missed by friends and extended family in the UK and Canada. A memorial gathering for both Peter and Aelwen will be held at 2pm on May 12th at the Park Place Clubhouse, 46 James Street in Penetanguishene.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the ALS Society or to the Georgian Bay General Hospital Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to Nicholls Funeral Home
