G. Ross Peters CM, P.Eng., PhD, FEC, FCAE
January 3, 1939 to December 16, 2024
Obituary
The funeral service for G. Ross Peters will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.
Please click HERE to find the link.
Passed peacefully away at home in the presence of family after a mercifully brief battle with cancer. Leaving to mourn his loving wife of 62 years, Elizabeth (nee Earle), sons Iain (Louise), Andrew (Janet), Dennis (Ruth) and Colin (Miki) and grandchildren Ashley, Kyle, Cynthia, Graeme, Robin, Margaret, Aina and Karen and many family and friends. Pre-deceased by parents Cecil and Edna, brother Robert and brothers-in-law Ivan Clarke and Morley Whitt, and also leaving to mourn siblings Juanita (Cecil Young), Ruby (Roy James), Ronald (Dorothy), Golda (Cameron Young), Beulah Clarke and Sharon Whitt and sister-in-law Media Peters.
Born in Springdale, NL, Ross moved to St. John’s to study Engineering at Memorial University, completing his B.Eng. degree at the University of Toronto and PhD at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. In 1963 he joined Memorial University teaching in the Math department, and later moved to the newly established degree program in Engineering, where he had a long and successful career, including many years as Dean of the Faculty. He was an active volunteer for Engineering professional bodies provincially and nationally, serving in leadership roles at all levels. In recognition of his service to the professional community, he was named a Member of the Order of Canada in 2022.
Ross and Elizabeth found joy in sailing Growler in the bays of Newfoundland’s northeast coast, starting at the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club in Conception Bay, and later from their second home at “Northern Arm,” near Robert’s Arm, Green Bay. They were avid cruisers who would explore every port they could get to, which inspired a life-long love of sailing in their sons, three of whom are current boat owners. Their “local knowledge” of the Badger Bay area was respected and sought after.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choosing. Ross strongly believed in the importance of giving to reduce suffering and to improve access to education. His charities of choice included Bridges to Hope and the Canadian Engineering Memorial Foundation.
Visitation will be held at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Friday, December 20th from 2 – 4 PM and 7 – 9 PM. The memorial service will be held in the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Saturday, December 21st at 10AM and will be livestreamed for those unable to attend.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on December 20, 2024
7-9 p.m. on December 20, 2024
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
10:00am, Saturday December 21st
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
Ross Peters was a true gentleman to the core. I knew him for more than 53 years since my days as a MUN graduate student in 1971, subsequently as his colleague and later fairly closely as his Associate Dean for more than 10 years and as a good friend till he passed away. He always had an open mind, meticulous in everything he did, a patient listener, shrewd judge and always forgiving. Since our retirement, and my move to Ontario, he used to update me with the summary of his yearly activities when exchanging Christmas greetings every year. Where I am now far away from Newfoundland, I heard the word about his departure quite late. My heartfelt condolences to his wife Elizabeth Peters, son Dennis Peters, his three brothers and the rest of the family. May the departed Soul rest in eternal peace in the Lord’s heavenly abode. Ôṁ Śāntiḥ, Śāntiḥ, Śāntiḥ. (ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः)
Ôṁ Peace, Peace, Peace.
Dennis, Ruth, Robin and Margaret:
We are sending condolences on the passing of your dear Father and Grandpa. May your many great memories provide you with some comfort at this sad time. The picture of Dr Peters sailing with Robin and Margaret illustrates such joy that they all shared. He contributed greatly to engineering education and will be remembered . sincerely Your friends Gladys and Larry and the Schofield Family
Dennis, Ruth, Robin and Margaret:
We are sending condolences on the passing of your dear father and Grandpa. May you many great memories provide you with some comfort at this sad time. The picture of Dr Peters sailing with Robin and Margaret illustrates such joy that they are shared. He contributed greatly to engineering education and will be remembered for all that of his work. sincerely Your friends Gladys and Larry and the Schofield Family
My sincere condolences to the Peter’s family on his passing. Dr. Peters was a major encourager to me during my first year of engineering. He took time for me spending over an hour sitting with me on the stairs of MUN’S library. He was my math teacher during my first semester and said that if I buckle down I would complete my degree program. I graduated in 1976 did and went on to become a bridge engineer. Thank you Dr. Peters.
My condolences to the Peter’s family on Ross’s passing.. I remember Ross as a great prof and lecturer to our Engineering Class (of 76) in the early terms of our degree program. A thoughtful man who later played a guiding role as a Board Member of the C-NLOPB in giving its approval 1n 1986 to the Hibernia oil Field Development and Benefits Plan.
Les Barbour, MUN Engineering Class of 76
Our deepest sympathy.. We are very sorry for your loss. Ross was a kind and gentle man.. we thoroughly enjoyed our time spent in his presence. May your many happy memories sustain you all at this difficult time. Our sincere condolences to all the family.
Angie and Sully
Elizabeth and family,
We are so sad to hear of Ross’s passing. He was an amazing brother to me and truly an inspiration of how to live life well.
We trust that warm memories of your wonderful life together bring you comfort in the days ahead.
With love and prayers,
Sharon and family
Many wonderful tributes and thoughts have been shared about Uncle Ross today. He was very accomplished yet approachable and humble. Smart as a whip but eager to teach. A leader, a mentor, and pioneer, as comfortable in the boardroom as he was angling by Tommy’s Arm River, warm and welcoming at his cottage in Northern Arm where we enjoyed many family barbeques. And so much more.
One of my earliest memories of Uncle Ross is watching him and Aunt Elizabeth tack Growler across Halls Bay into Springdale under full sail and with deft hand on a windy summer day. Appreciation for the skill and measure of courage involved in sailing would come later as we had opportunity to get in the boat and experience something of how it works and how it feels, thanks to the generosity of Uncle Ross and Aunt Elizabeth.
I was and remain very proud of Uncle Ross and extend sincere condolences to Aunt Elizabeth, Ian, Andy, Dennis, and Colin, and their families.
Elizabeth anf family
I was so shocked and saddened by the news of Ros passing. Please know you have all my love and sympathy. Ross was a wonderful man.
I will.phone later
Janet
To Dr.Peters’ family I’m sorry for your loss of your love one. I would always remember him as a real kind person and he would be so missed. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. For your loss, Chris Gardner BA.
Condolences to his family
Dear Dennis, Ruth, Robin and Margaret, sending hugs and prayers at this time. Also remembering in prayer your mother and the family. May the memories of your dear father bring comfort to your heart. Love Roland, Linda and Aunt Mae.
Elizabeth and the Peters family
Very sorry to hear of Ross’s passing.. Our relationship goes back to the early 60s in the Math Department and our many laughs together in our Bridge Club of the 70s. A very pleasant and great guy. He will be missed.
Sincere Condolences
My Deepest Condolence to Elizabeth, Iain, Andrew, Dennis, and Collin as well as the rest of the family and many friends on Ross’s passing. He was a kind, intelligent, thoughtful and honourable man.. A rare person in today’s society. May his Love for you all help ease your loss. Rest in Peace Ross
My deepest condolences on the passing of Dr. Peters. He was a gifted engineer and teacher, a community leader and family man. I had already graduated by the time Dr. Peters took over as Dean of MUN’s Engineering Faculty. Dr. Peters made significant contributions to the engineering profession in NL and Canada. He was also one of the founding Wardens of Camp 20, the group overseeing the Iron Ring Ceremony in St. John’s, NL. 2024 was the 50th anniversary of the founding of Camp 20. In recognition of this milestone, the Camp invited Dr. Peters to be our guest speaker for this year’s ceremony. His memory was very sharp, and he was so articulate with his message of integrity, humility, humbleness and ethical practice to our graduates, which still resonates with me today. As Chief Warden of Camp 20, we are indeed fortunate that Dr. Peters was able to join us this year. His kindness and contributions to the engineering profession and Camp 20 will always be remembered.
Gordon Jin, P.Eng.
My sincere sympathies to Elizabeth and the entire family . Ross was a brilliant , kind and compassionate man . I remember well hem patiently giving me an “ extra lesson “ in calculus… when I was in University… “ you’ve got it “. He said … in his confident and reassuring way !!
Ross and Elizabeth shared many sailing adventures with my recently departed parents. mary and Merv . He was always a lot of fun at the Engineering Christmas tree parties , and had interesting stories to share . He was an academic and a leader . I am very sorry for your loss
Sincere condolences to the Peters family.
With fond, neighbourly memories of Tobin Crescent.
Sending sincere condolences to the Peters and Earle families. Dr. Peters was my dean when I studied Engineering at MUN and was a great influence on me as to how I studied. He did the engineering community a wonderful service last year when he agreed to be our guest speaker, to offer the new engineering candidates “words of encouragement “ at the annual Obligation Ceremony, where the candidates receive their Iron Rings after taking the “Obligation “. He was a wonderful man, whom I deeply respected. He will be missed.
To the Peter’s family and extended family.
Please accept our sincere condolences and offer of prayerful support during this season of loss for your family. We had a number of opportunities to meet Ross through the years and always found him to possess the special qualities of composure and kindness. These and many additional desired qualities reside in other members of the family that we have been fortunate enough to have had relationships with for nearly 2 decades now.
We pray for the peace of God and His grace to guide you through this season.
Pastors Lindsey and Kimberley Foster
Springdale Pentecostal Church
Springdale NL
Dennis, Ruth, Robin and Margaret,
I’m sorry for the loss of your dear father and Grandpa. I pray that you find peace in recalling the special times together.
My condolences to the Peter’s family.
.Ross was a wonderful man. It was through the encouragement of Ross that I decided to attend MUN in 1973 to complete my engineering degree. He was so supportive when I met with him.
As a past Engineering student at MUN, I would like to express my sincere condolences to the Peters family! He was a great professor and a gentleman as well. Much appreciated and respected by his students.
We as a family express our deepest sympathies and grief to Dr. Ross Peter’s families. I was working at the Faculty before and after he became the Dean of the Faculty. He was just, fair and friendly in all his dealings with all the Faculty memberss. He touched the lives of all the members of the Faculty and always he was gracious and helpful.. The Lord be with allt the family members and comfort them, as they go through the grieving period.
Elizabeth and family. My condolences to you all. Ross left a positive impact on all he met. His kind., gentle understanding manner , his concern , his helpfulness will always be remembered. A true gentleman.
My deepest condolences to Mrs. Peters and the entire Peters family. Dr. Peters was a dear friend of our family. He was a brilliant educator. and certainly left a mark on the MUN engineering program .
My parents Mary and Merv Andrews enjoyed the many sailing trips along the northeast coast on Growler and Special K. and a few in the Caribbean. I suspect Ross and my father are now planning their next voyage together.
Dennis and all — Our thoughts are with you in this time. Ross will be missed not just by the family but also by all the lives he touched over the years. I remember his good spirit and helpful nature from my days at MUN back in the 80s. Heartfelt condolences to you.
Dennis and all — Our thoughts are with you in this time. Ross will be missed not just by the family but also by all the lives he touched over the years. I remember his good spirit and helpful nature from my days at MUN back in the 80s. Heartfelt condolences to you.
So very sorry to hear of Ross’s passing. Through my contact with him through the Carriage House it was always a pleasure to chat with him. He always looked you in the eye and you knew he was interested and listening to what you were saying. My condolences to Elizabeth and the rest of the family at this sad time. Ross was a nice Man. so sorry he is gone.
Dear Andy, Janet and family, our condolences on the loss of such a wonderful and inspiring father, father-in-law and grandfather.
My condolences to the Peters family. May you find comfort in the memories you have and in God, who is the God of all peace and comfort.
Elizabeth, Denis and the Peter’s family I offer my deepest sympathy on Ross’s passing . People often congratulate others in a humourous way by saying that they a scholar and a gentleman. This statement about Ross would not be in humour but would be the absolute truth.
I knew Ross from MUN, PEGNL and Engineers Canada where he served the engineering profession extremely well.
Steve
Dear Dennis and Ruth,
Sorry to read of your dad’s recent passing.. We hope you are immersed in many happy memories through this time.
Our condolences, Carolyn and Gloria
Elizabeth and Family
Elaine and I were so very saddened to hear of Ross’s passing. From our first meeting as neighbours, we knew Ross was a kind, gentle and extremely smart gentleman. Besides knowing all ( and I do mean all ) things Carriagehouse , he was knowledgeable in so many area, .
I will miss Ross and our evening “chats” regarding condo business. But as I use his Excel files and try to figure out his linkages, I will always be reminded of Ross .
Cherish all your memories. You are in our prayers.
Sincere condolences to Aunt Elizabeth and the family on Uncle Ross’ passing. I remember many sunny days with good food and laughter at the Pilley’s Island “cabin” during the summers of my youth. It was a beautiful place to gather as extended family. Thinking of you all as you grieve.
To the Peters family: We am so sorry of hear of Ross’s passing. Linda and I send our heartfelt condolences .
My favourite memory of Uncle Ross is reading Colin & I bedtime stories when we were 4. My family was staying at their house for a couple months. He would read with so much animation… Esp one book (which we would pick every time it was his turn). I think he tossed us around for one part!
I do not know how much he “settled” us for bed, there was always much laughter – enough that we barely caught our breath at times.
He also introduced me to sailing, but not in good conditions on a rainy windy day going around Hall’s Bay Head!
Condolences to Aunt Elizabeth & the rest of the family, we have lost a great person.
Dennis, Ruth, Robin and Margaret
Sending deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Dad/grandfather.
Thinking of you all
Dear Elizabeth
We were sorry to hear of Ross’s passing. Our thoughts are with you.
Tom and Reine
To Dennis Peters and Family
I am sad to hear the passing away of Dr. Ross Peters. Dr. Peters made great contributions to the Faculty of Engineering at Memorial University, and the province and he will be remembered in Newfoundland for years to come for his lifelong contribution.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Losing a parent is one of life’s greatest challenges and it must be especially hard for you as you were very close to your father. I remember on may occasions you used to quote Dr. Peters. I hope the memories of his love, wisdom, and presence bring you comfort and strength in the days ahead.
Wishing you and your family peace and solace in this time of grief.
-Syed
My deepest sympathies and condolences to you and your family!
To the Peters family
We are saddened to learn of the passing of your brother, Ross. May you be comforted in knowing that we are thinking of you today. May God’s peace and Presence be with you all.
Fred and Gloria Stacey
Kingston, Ontario