(November 6th, 1930 – February 5th, 2023)
It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Osamu Kurita on Sunday, February 5th, 2023 in Dundas, Ontario.
Forever 21, Peter was in his 93rd year and is survived by his big brother, Roy Shoichi, who once sewed their earnings from a summer job into Peter’s shirt and instructed him not to take off the shirt, even to bathe, until he got home. Or so the story goes, and it may have been the other way around depending on who is telling the tale; and it was Roy’s shirt.
Peter was a wise and generous Uncle to his nieces (Jeannine Hack, Sharon Lee, Debbie Sakaguchi, Patti Kurita and Janice Kurita) and nephews (Keith Sakaguchi, Bob Sakaguchi, Richard Nagai, Warren Oda and Kelvin Oda), grand nieces and nephews and great grand nieces and nephews, and was a loved grandfather to Danielle and Paul Nicholls, a great-grandfather and a great-great-grandfather.
Peter is predeceased by his spouse, Marian McCowan (1987), his parents, Matsuji (1974) and Hatsu (1976) Kurita, his sisters, Akiko Irene (1945), Yoshi Margaret (2008), Kathleen Aiko (1997), and Lily Fumiko (2000).
Peter was a teacher and Principal in the York Region District School Board and retired in 1985. He was a frequent flyer and visited 98 countries, including Antarctica. He created, celebrated and shared his memories of travel with everyone and anyone.
The family would like to extend its thanks to the staff of Amica Dundas Seniors Residence for their dedicated and generous service, and to the staff of the Juravinski Hospital – Ward 3E for their medical support and acumen. As per Peter’s wishes, cremation has already occurred.
Families and friends are welcome to share memories and stories at a Celebration of Life for Peter at the Turner Family Funeral Home (53 Main Street, DUNDAS) on Saturday, March 4th, 2023 (2:00 – 4:00 pm).
We’re so very sorry to hear of our great friend and neighbour’s passing.
Many stories, tea, coffee and goodies were shared at our house. We always enjoyed the chats and he always did whatever he could to help. That’s what neighbours do. He was strong and fit. All the years of curling, swimming, lawn bowling and his walks.
Please accept our deepest sympathies to all of you during this difficult time. We know that there’s a lot of treasured memories from his 92+ years.
June, Donna and Shirley Sandercock
Cobourg, ON
Peter was a member of Cobourg Lawn Bowling Club when I joined. He was his own person and made a bowls game interesting for a beginner. We always looked forward to see what costume he would come up with for the Sadie Hawkins tournament.
Sincere condolences to his family
We knew Peter for several years as a member of the Cobourg Lawn Bowling club. He shared his knowledge very freely and we learned a lot about the game from him. We would like to extend our most sincere condolences to Peter’s family.
Sorry to hear, he was a youth group leader many years ago in Cedar Grove when he lived in Markham. He was a wonderful person….rest in peace……
I first met Peter when he hired me as a first-time teacher at his new school, Royal Orchard P.S. in Thornhill, 1967. He was a kind, supportive gentleman and I learned much from his guidance. We’ve kept in touch over the years. I especially enjoyed his cheery Christmas card, always with a note attached, and the subsequent phone call to catch up over the past year activities. I send deep condolences to Peter’s family. He will be missed.
Sharon Carson Newmarket On.
I offer you my sympathies on the lose of such a fine gentleman. I am sorry I am unable to attend the Celebration of Life as i will be at another service .
I taught at Stuart Scott Elementary and went on in the teaching business to become an administer as well. One event I remember with a chuckle was a morning when we had a large snow storm. I believe my husband got me to school on a ski-do so Peter and I were the only staff there. Much later in the day after many of the staff had managed to arrive ,one staff member struggled in around mid afternoon !
The person took one look at Peter and said in anger ” Don’t you know I come from where there is no snow! I can’t deal with this! ”
Peter looked at me and quietly said ” I didn’t know I looked like an Eskimo”
We both went into laughter. I enjoyed his easy humor.
I had the opportunity to meet him shortly after he lost his wife and was grateful
he felt comfortable share his lose with me. The world has lost a lovely person. I am so glad to read he had such a full life
To all the family I am so sorry for your loss. I have had the pleasure of calling Peter my friend and mentor for 60 years. When I started my career as a teacher, Peter was my first principal. He was a dedicated educator and a fine gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
To the family of our dear Peter, he was committed to his beliefs and followed through with action.
We knew Peter for the 16 years we lived in Camborne .We shared many talks about world affairs, travelling and the United Church of Canada.
We shared many meals together and always great conversation. Rest well our friend.
We all enjoyed Peter’s Curling at the Cobourg Curling Club, especially when he was skip and also when he was a spare. We will all miss him dearly.