Passing of Peter Elsdon

With much sadness, we announce the passing of Peter Elsdon:

ELSDON, Peter John (May 7, 1942 to May 17, 2021)

Passed away peacefully at Headwaters Health Care Centre on Monday, May 17, 2021. Peter was the loving husband of Rosemarie for 57 years. Dear dad to Ami (Richard) and Julie (Brad). Proud grandad to Mikaela (Tobias), Zachary (Taylor), Madeleine, Sydney and Chelsea. Brother of Mavis, William (Ruth) and Patricia. Brother-in-law of Bill (Joan), Bobby, Patti-Jo (Tom) and Joyce. Friend, uncle and cousin to many. Peter is predeceased by newborn daughter, Theresa Rose (1964), parents William and Hilda, parents-in-law Margaret and George, brother Reg, sisters-in-law Ursula and Janet, brothers-in-law Harry and Vincent. Special friend to Marcelo.

Peter grew up in Chislehurst, Kent, England and came to Canada with Rosie on the SS Ryndam ship, Holland American Line in 1965. They quickly became very proud Canadians, embraced their new country and looked forward to a new beginning. Peter’s brother, Reg and his wife, Ursula welcomed Peter and Rosie to their home in Toronto and soon after, Peter’s sister, Patricia and her family also immigrated. The Canadian Elsdons had a special bond that the second and third generation has embraced and continues to enjoy. Peter’s family from England visited Canada as much as possible and it was always a grand time!

In 1973 Peter and Rosie made Orangeville home with their daughters. Peter was a Mechanical Engineer and Machine Shop Manager, commuting to Toronto each day. He volunteered as a soccer coach and founded the Orangeville Cricket Club in 1974. He also played cricket at Marigail Cricket Club in Hockley, on the DuBois property, and later with York Cricket Club on the Glendon College grounds in Toronto. He was well known for his twinkle toes bowling and the family enjoyed joining him at most matches and tours that included Ontario, Jamaica, England, Bermuda and the Bahamas. Peter’s family joined him for most of his matches. Rosie was a scorekeeper and the girls enjoyed playing with the other families and watching their dad.

Peter was also an avid golfer and was very proud of his handicap of 11! He was a regular at all of the local courses and organized many tournaments for the Legion and other charities. He wholeheartedly supported Rosie in her dedicated service to veterans through the Royal Canadian Legion and enjoyed friendships with many Legion members, many who were like family, especially Bill Edge, a WWII veteran. Peter served as Sports Officer at the Legion.

When he wasn’t working, Peter was playing or watching sports and he always had full control over the family television! His daughters remember when there were only a dozen channels to watch, with limited access to sports. They laugh about the times when the selection was scarce and he would settle for even gymnastics to watch (the girls loved gymnastics!). When the World Cup or other important soccer, cricket or baseball games were televised during the work day, Peter would program the VCR to record the matches while he was at work and would avoid listening to the Fan 590 radio station on his commute home so that he could watch the match that evening!

Peter and Rosie enjoyed a very social life. They made friends easily and every friend was welcomed as family. The Elsdon home had an open door and was often filled with guests. Some stayed for a few hours and some, who needed a place to stay, were welcomed for months. The fondest memories were the socials following cricket matches, Christmas Eve open houses, Peter’s buddies visiting at the house after golf, neighbours together for parties and the Elsdon family get-togethers. Rosie always prepared enough food for an army and everyone was made to feel welcome. Peter was always the first to quietly slip out and go to bed and let everyone else stay and enjoy, with Rosie’s oversight. Peter and Rosie also enjoyed their local pub friends at the Longhorn Lounge and later at the Orangeville Legion.

Peter had a wonderful relationship with his wife, girls and their families. He had a special bond with his sons-in-law. Richard worked under Peter in a machine shop, in his early career, and enjoyed Peter’s wisdom and company on their commutes. Peter was also very fond of Brad and always appreciated Brad’s loving, quiet care for him and Rosie over the past few years.

Peter’s health declined and eventually he gave up sports and his energy for socializing but he cherished such fond memories of his active days, with happy memories of friends, family times and experiences. In the past few years he enjoyed collecting antique cigarette cards, watching sports online, and seeing his grandchildren grow and mature. Rosie has been his best friend and caregiver, and Ami and Julie were thankful for his wisdom, listening ear and his company. He was a perfect gentleman to all of his caregivers, and even in his last years, he enjoyed relationships with the community paramedics who cared for him, the young neighbours who would sit outside to visit, and his grandchildren who would regularly visit and touch base with their grandad.

Peter left a legacy of a strongly knit family who genuinely enjoy each other and seek to spend time together. Peter and Rosie believed that we are stronger together and this shows today through the generations

The Elsdon family is deeply grateful for the Dufferin Community Paramedic program. Peter was one of their first patients and their care has been phenomenal.

The family appreciates prayer for Rosie as she is in cancer treatment and in hospital. A Celebration of Life will be planned for Peter soon. Donations can be made in memory of Peter to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 233, 7 John St Box 141, Orangeville, ON L9W 2Z5.

COMRADES:  HAPPY CANADA DAY!

FIRST, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR SOLICITOR GENERAL MPP SYLVIA JONES DUFFERIN/CALEDON FOR ATTENDING.

OUR LEGION IS STILL HERE DURING THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES, WE CONTINUE TO HELP OUR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.

WE ARE CONTINUING HELP FOR OUR YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH OUR BURSARY PROGRAM WHICH ASSISTS THEM IN POST SECONDARY EDUCATION.

I HAD RECENTLY PARTICIPATED IN MY FIRST VIRTUAL ACR WITH 1849 LORNE SCOTS ARMY CADETS. I HAD THE PLEASURE TO PRESENT ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION CADET MEDAL OF EXCELLENCE TO MWO GRIFFIN SCULLINO. CONGRATULATIONS!

COMRADES, OUR BRANCH HAS HAD SOME STRONG CHALLENGES IN RECENT MONTHS AND RECENT DAYS. WE AS LEGION MEMBERS, ARE THE KEEPERS OF REMEMBRANCE. WE WILL PROTECT OUR MONUMENTS, OUR CENOTAPHS, OUR PARKS. IT'S OUR DUTY TO OUR FALLEN, VETERANS, THEIR FAMILIES, AND OUR HISTORY.

LEGIONS ACROSS CANADA ARE IN TROUBLE; I ENCOURAGE OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS TO FIND WAYS TO HELP. THE LOSS OF LEGIONS IN COMMUNITIES WOULD BE DEVASTATING TO OUR VETERANS, OUR SENIORS, OUR COMMUNITIES, AND OUR YOUNG PEOPLE.

HAPPY CANADA DAY!

 Greetings to all. I have to say, that this was a very unique evening. Comrades Barry Kimber, President, Darrick Landry, Past President and Chuck Simpson, 1st vice President of Branch 233 Orangeville and Larry Weltz, President of Branch 449 Alton, all members of Zone E-3, had the great pleasure of joining with the Orangeville Fire Chief, Mr Ronald Morden and the officers, men and women of the Orangeville Fire department in a very special presentation. The Legion members, on behalf of the Royal Canadian Legion Charitable Foundation presented the Orangeville Fire Department with a cheque for $5000.00. This money will go towards the purchase of a Multi Force Air Lifting Bag. This is an impressive piece of equipment, which if and when required, will give our fire department one more means in assisting those who are in need. We owe all "first responders" who put themselves in harms way for us a "great big thanks" and all the support that we can give them.