John Peter Denny
Died: January 14, 2024 | Place: London, Ontario
Services
Visitation
Sunday, March 3, 2024
1:00-2:00 pm
A. Millard George Funeral Home
60 Ridout Street South
London, Ontario
N6C 3X1
Celebration of Life
Sunday, March 3, 2024
2:00 pm
A. Millard George Funeral Home
60 Ridout Street South
London, Ontario
N6C 3X1
Obituary
DENNY, John Peter
Peacefully at home, with his wife by his side, Professor John Peter Denny passed away on January 14, 2024 in his 90th year. Beloved husband of Marion Johnson, adoring father of Ann and Ellen.
Peter was born on March 3, 1934, the son of Joan Eve and Dennison Denny of Montreal, later Toronto. Peter became a loving older brother to Sally, Joanna and Michael.
Peter took his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, and received his PhD in Psychology from Duke University in North Carolina in 1961. A teaching position at Western University brought him to London, where he was a well-loved psychology professor for 40 years, retiring in 1999.
Peter continued to pursue his diverse interests in many areas, including academic research, and musical composition and performance – collaborating with a variety of local artists.
A devoted family man, Peter shared a deep intellectual connection with his literary wife Marion, and together they supported their daughters Ann and Ellen’s many artistic pursuits. Peter’s most cherished memories were of family camping trips, and swimming in his terry cloth hat in Ontario’s beautiful lakes.
The family would like to thank the many devoted elder care workers who provided dignified care in Peter’s final years. Even amidst major health challenges, Peter never lost his passion for living or his desire to stay close to his family and friends, who will love and remember him for a very long time.
A Celebration of Peter’s Life will be held on March 3, 2024, what would’ve been his 90th birthday. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 pm, with the service beginning at 2:00 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. In honour of Peter’s dedication to teaching, the family will be accepting donations (via cash or e-transfer) towards a scholarship for a local First Nations student currently attending Western University. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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So sorry to lose Peter. I enjoyed reading to him this past year and being a companion visitor. My sympathies to all who knew and loved Peter. He will be greatly missed.
The congregation of First-St. Andrew’s send their deepest sympathy to you, Marion, on the loss of Peter.
Fondly
Jo Ann Silcox
When I heard that Peter had passed away, my first thought was of him happily tapping out a beat on varying sizes of flower pots, while Colleen Thibaudeau recited poetry. My condolences.
I didn’t know Peter personally, but I knew him as a great musician, playing at The York Hotel in 1965/66. I played in another weekly group, The York Jazz Quintet. Fond memories of both of him and The York.
Sending so much love to Marion, Ann, and my dear Elle.
Peter was a dear friend and musical colleague to me right from the start of my music endeavors in London. He was side by side in the sax section of my concert orchestra at UWO as well as my first couple of professional bands with Jim and Mellissa Falconbridge and a trio with Blair Heddle. Peter was a natural and gifted musician but his gifts as a listener and conversationalist were every bit as essential to my life. I will always look up to Peter and love him like a brother. Condolences to his family from Chris Robinson.
Ken and I send our deepest sympathy out to you. We will always remember his sense of wit, joy of the drums, and the love he had expressed for his family.