Passed peacefully at home on October 25, 2026, in his 92nd year. He is mourned by his wife Irene (nee Gruodis), with whom he shared 67 years of marriage; sons and daughters-in-law Christian (Lynda Branchaud), Ralph (Nancy Crawford), and Peter Jr (Michele Trepanier); grandchildren Hans, Luka, Erik, Lindsay, Emilia and Jack, and many loving and caring nieces and nephews. He is deeply missed by all.
Peter was born in 1934, the 2nd child to Luise Priess and Hans Christian Nissen in Lübeck, Germany. Brothers Henrik and Wolfgang and sister Christa are all predeceased.
After World War II, he prematurely ended his education at a young age and began to work with his father. He ended up travelling across Europe as a teenager crafting his salesman skills. In 1954, he came to Canada with his father, and together they travelled across the country by car, from coast to coast. What began as a journey to a new country became the beginning of a life he would build in Canada. When Peter met Irene Gruodis, he knew he wanted to stay. They married in 1959, beginning a partnership and love story that would span 67 years.
An entrepreneur by nature, Peter began building his Canadian life and business from his apartment in Montreal. The P.R. Nissen Company was born. Through hard work, determination, and vision, he grew it into a successful international corporation, becoming one of the first to travel to Asia and import into Canada. He later worked alongside his three sons, sharing his experience and knowledge while allowing them to find their own paths. They all eventually became part of the company and today the company remains under their ownership, ensuring that his legacy continues.
The definition of a true gentleman, Peter was a man of exceptional character, guided throughout his life by an unwavering sense of honour, integrity, and morality. He was generous, gregarious, and genuinely interested in people. He had a natural warmth that made everyone feel welcome, regardless of their background or station in life. He approached all people with the same openness and respect, and his friendships reflected his belief that character matters far more than status.
Above all else, Peter was devoted to his family. His wife, children, and grandchildren were always his greatest priority. He and Irene shared a remarkable life together, including a love of travel that took them around the world well into their 80s. Their adventures reflected Peter’s enduring curiosity about the world and his enthusiasm for life.
Peter was also an avid golfer, and with Irene, had memberships at Beaconsfield Golf Club in Montreal, The Hunt Club in Ottawa and Litchfield Golf Club in South Carolina, where they enjoyed many winters at their southern home. A highest honour Mason, within the Scottish Rite at the Royal Mount Lodge in Montreal, for much of his adult life, he carried his strong principles and sense of honour into every endeavor.
He leaves behind much more than a successful business. He leaves a family shaped by his love, a legacy built on integrity, and an example of how to live with honour, generosity, and genuine respect for others. His influence will continue through the generations of his family and the many people whose lives he touched.
The family is very grateful to the staff of Oakpark Retirement Community and associated health services for their excellent care. A private funeral service and inurnment will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Peter’s name to Parkinson Canada or charity of choice would be welcome.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
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