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Peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on Friday, January 3, 2025, at Marshall Gowland Manor, Peter Albert Wilson passed away at the age of 94. Beloved husband of Jane (nee Newby) for 72 years. Loving father of Greg (Julie) Wilson of Ottawa ON and Paula (Tony) Aquilina of Camlachie, ON. Cherished grandfather of Stephanie Maness, Sean (Janine) Aquilina, Matthew (Corrina) Wilson, And Lindsay (Mike) Yearley.
Treasured great-grandfather of seven. Predeceased by siblings Daisy, John, Jimmy, Marjorie, David, Eric, and Ken. Predeceased by his parents John and Emma Wilson.
Born in London, England, in 1930, his childhood was marked by the tumultuous events of World War II, including the harrowing experience of the London Blitz.
Driven by a spirit of adventure and a desire for a better future, Peter, as a young man, made the courageous decision to immigrate to Canada with his family. He initially settled in Toronto, where he laid the foundation for his new life and a career as a Mortgage Broker. Seeking new opportunities, he later moved to London, Ontario, where he dedicated himself to his career and built a life for his family.
Peter began his part-time military career as a National Serviceman with the Royal Army Medical Corps in Britain. In 1959, he joined the 1st Hussars (London) as a 2nd Lieutenant. Over time, he held several key positions, including Troop Leader, Regimental Quartermaster, Officer Commanding “A” Squadron, and Deputy Commanding Officer, before being appointed Commanding Officer of the Regiment in November 1968. During his command, the unit underwent significant transitions in structure and roles, ultimately becoming an Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment.
As Lt-Col. Wilson, he oversaw the successful completion of two major initiatives: the presentation and dedication of the regiment’s final operational Sherman Tank as a memorial in Sarnia, Ontario, and the recovery and dedication of a wartime DD Sherman Tank in the D-Day beachhead town of Courseulles-sur-Mer, Normandy.
In his later years, Peter and his beloved wife, Jane, retired to the serene setting of Sarnia, where they enjoyed a peaceful and fulfilling life.
As per Peter’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Cremation has taken place. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London, Ontario.
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (cheques only at the funeral home please).