Obituary of Peter George Etheridge

Peter George Etheridge was born in Grand Falls, Newfoundland on April 27, 1945, to Sarah Etheridge. He was raised by his grandparents, with the assistance of aunts and uncles. Peter graduated from St. Michael’s Regional High School in 1964. Following high school, Peter attended Memorial University for two years and then the University of New Brunswick, where he graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in Forestry (Silviculture major) in 1970. In 1970, Peter started his career in reforestation research and planning, nursery design, forest seed technology and forest silviculture research. Peter and Patricia initially moved to Saskatchewan, where Peter worked for the Department of Natural Resources as Silviculture Forester. In 1975, the family moved so Peter could take a similar position with the Alberta Forest Service. In 1979 the Etheridge family moved a final time to Sussex, New Brunswick, so Peter could work with the forest industry in reforestation and forest nursery design. He took leaves of absence from his position in New Brunswick so he could work in the forest industry in Thailand. In the later years of his career, Peter was proud to direct the establishment of the UNESCO Biosphere on the Upper Bay of Fundy; he led this consortium with environmental interest groups, academic research organizations, federal departments and the forest industry. Following retirement, Peter refocused his efforts on a combination of volunteer and consulting work with First Nations groups and international development. His focus with this post-retirement work was helping with strategic planning, project design and management and fund raising proposal writing. This work took him to Cameroon, Africa, which he very much enjoyed. Peter had many activities and hobbies he enjoyed. Peter was an avid skier and enjoyed many, many days of skiing at Poley Mountain Resort throughout the years. In later years, Peter was on the Board of Directors of the Atlantic Senior’s Ski Club. He biked and walked very actively through his life, maintaining these activities until just recently. He had an unparalleled love and interest in nature. Peter also had a keen interest in sailing and the Etheridge family spent many weekends on the sailboat. He obtained his scuba diving certifications and his pilot’s licence. He loved dogs and nearly always had one through his life. Peter was a gifted artist in the methods of watercolour and oil painting, producing a substantial amount of work in his life. Peter also had musical talents; he played the guitar, fiddle and flute. He loved traveling. His family is thankful for the exceptional care provided by the health care system in Sussex and Saint John. Peter will live on in the hearts of his beloved wife of 47 years, Patricia (Rose); his devoted sons: Murray, Mark and his wife Cindy and David and his wife Roxanne Lambert; his loving daughter, Angela and Edwin Shipowick; his sister, Sheila Garcia and her husband Joe; six grandchildren: Luke, Sarah, Emma, Cooper, Edan and Adelle and by his brother-in-law, Ronald Rose and his wife Carmel; as well as several special cousins After an extraordinarily full life, Peter George Etheridge (“Peter”) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at the Palliative Care Unit in the Saint John Regional Hospital at the age of 71. He was predeceased by his Grandmother, Nora; Grandfather, Patrick; Aunts: Theresa and Rita; Mother, Sarah; Uncles: William, Patrick, and John and their respective families. He is also predeceased by his brother-in-law Gerald Rose and his wife Rita and by his sisters-in-law, Mary and Margaret Rose. Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Thursday, September 29, 2016 from 1-3 and 6-8pm. A service celebrating Peter's life will be held from St. Francis Xavier Church on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 11:00am with Father Dan Bastarache officiating. There will be a time of fellowship with the family in the church hall, following the committal service. If you are considering making a memorial donation the family has recommended the Saint Francis Xavier Parish or to the charity of the donor’s choice. www.wallacefuneralhome.com