On September 28th, 2023 we lost our dear Peter to complications following major heart surgery.
From a boyhood start in the Perth Tea Room and Candyland, the Moskos family businesses in Perth, Ontario, Peter developed talents as a cook, a candy maker and, most of all, as someone who made friends and gathered stories wherever he went. Studies in philosophy at York University, Toronto and at New College Oxford, formed him as a clear thinker. As a teacher of English in the Carleton Board of Education and as a writer and partner at Gordon Group, a creative services company in Ottawa, Peter taught, perfected and marketed compelling writing.
Peter was deeply musical. Classical music played in his head at all times. After he and Margaret moved to Vancouver, he took delight in singing with Opera Pro Cantanti, the Oratorio Singers, and at the Vancouver Orchestra School of Music. Peter was a patron of many musical organizations in the city. At the same time he became actively involved in the BC Branch of Editors Canada. He took equal pleasure in mentoring young singers and up-and-coming editors.
Peter was deeply satisfied that his sons, Alexander and Gregory, became good cooks, that music was central to their lives, and that each could write compelling prose. He proudly encouraged his wife, Margaret, his sisters, Connie and Evie, and his niece Alysa in their professional pursuits.
Peter was dearly loved and will be missed by his wife Margaret Archibald, his sons, Alexander (Jessica Mensch) and Gregory, his sister Connie Vanderwaardt (Sebastian), his niece Alysa Giesbrecht (Scott) and his great-niece Kara. Peter was predeceased by his parents Chris and Rita Moskos, and his sister Evie Moskos. His family and many friends will miss his stories and will certainly remember his hearty laugh.
Donations in Peter’s memory may be made to The Vancouver Music in the Morning Society: https://www.musicinthemorning.org/give/. Donations will go to sponsoring a week of performances in February, 2024 by Mezzo-Soprano Julie Nesrallah and Pianist Kinza Tyrell. As was his nature, Peter would encourage you to support local, family-run businesses in your area, and to enjoy stories, music and good food.
Celebrations of Peter’s Life will be held in Vancouver at VanDusen Botanical Gardens, Floral Hall, on May 3rd, 2024 12:30 - 3:30 pm and in Ottawa at Beechwood Cemetery, on June 7th, 2024 at 1:00-4:00 pm.
Digital Guestbook
Harold Corrin
Susanna Egan
A great heart, much loving and much loved.
Connie Vanderwaardt (Moskos)
I will never forget you, Peter . So lucky to have you as my brother.
Alysa Giesbrecht
I am very thankful to have had Peter as my uncle. He was a wonderful person with such an endearing personality. I will never forget Peter or his great laugh. I am grateful that I have so many years of memories. You will always be missed, Peter.
Katherine Bennett
I extend my deepest condolences to Margaret, Alexander, Gregory and to Peter's extended family. It is very comforting to know that Peter left a legacy of teaching, great stories, good food, music and laughter in the company of family and friends.
Mary Leigh Warden
Peter, I know you will receive this message somehow. You get the 'Absolute Best' award from me! You always were my most reliable source for concert reviews - your helpful comments were astute and insightful . To top if off, you always were gentle, friendly, kind. Caring for others was foremost in your mind. Margaret, Alexander and Gregory, I am sending my warm wishes to each of you, with hugs. Take care...and yes, I hope I can be there on May 3 at Van Dusen Gardens. xMary
Lisa Herman
My dear friend Peter. Always in my heart. Many years of deep and meaningful understandings through shared histories and divergences too. Your warm and generous presence is sorely missed.
Allison Molloy
I have warm memories of Mr. Moskos as my English teacher, all these years later. That is a testament to a wonderful person as ever there was one. My condolences to family and friends who will miss him dearly in their day to day. He was a lovely man.
R.I.P. Peter Moskos. Colleague, family friend, Oxford scholar, teacher, writer, companionable traveller, adventurer, raconteur, wit, classical music lover, kind and loyal ally, devoted husband, proud father, best man, dear friend. Deepest condolences from Cheryl, from me, and from all our family to Margaret, Alexander, Gregory, and Peter's extended family.