Obituary of Peter Schleihauf

Peter Ray Schleihauf passed away from cancer surrounded by family at his home in Ottawa. Peter is deeply missed by his wife Deborah Dorner; kids: Simon Gray-Schleihauf (Christiane), Angela, Philip, Veronica; grandkids: Calla and Liv; siblings: Tom (Elaine), Philip (Ginny), Joanne Fraser (Don), Janet Burgess (Bob, dec.), Randy, Bridget Seabrook (Brad); and a multitude of beloved niblings and inlaws. He was predeceased at a young age by his parents Don and Margaret (McPherson).

Raised in Sarnia, Peter was a red-seal carpenter and a proud member of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America for over 40 years. Peter achieved a BEd from U of T and a BA in Political Science from Western. He taught tech studies, civics, and history in Blenheim and Ottawa high schools where he also led robotics clubs and coached.

Committed to family and community, Peter and Deb were foster parents in Blenheim, and shared their Ottawa home with refugees. Peter’s op-eds in support of labour movements were published in the Ottawa Citizen. With an adventurous spirit, he toured North America on his Harley and canoed the Rideau Canal. In his later years, Peter started an artistic wood-turning project combining his love of writing and woodworking. This legacy continues at GrandpasTurn.ca.

Peter is remembered for his jokes, generosity, patience, integrity, sensitivity, strength, curiosity, compassion, candid advice, and unconditional love. Vivid memories of backyard ice rinks, canal skating, snowboarding, camping trips, swimming, action movies, talks, long walks, art, theatre, craft beer and classic rock. His oak tree stands tall. 

Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Brodeur and R.N. Jackie, for their deeply compassionate palliative care. 

A memorial was held Friday, March 10th at St. Joseph’s Church, 174 Wilbrod Street, Ottawa. Visitation 6pm, service 7pm. A celebration of life in Sarnia will follow at a later date. Peter cared deeply for environmental protection. Please consider a donation in his memory to the Nature Conservancy of Canada in lieu of flowers.

“Each time a tree begins to grow on earth, opportunity expresses” - Peter Schleihauf

In the care of the Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd., Arnprior