Peter Alan Merrifield
Died: July 3, 2024 | Place: London, Ontario
Services
Celebration of Life
August 8th, 2024
Family and friends to share memories of Peter at 2:00pm, followed by an informal gathering until 6:00pm.
Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre
551 Windermere Road
London, Ontario
N5X 2T1
Obituary
MERRIFIELD, Peter Alan
May 25, 1951 – July 3, 2024
The world has lost a kind and gentle soul. Peter passed away in London in his 74th year. He was a loving husband of 50 years to Diane Merrifield (née Coady), proud father of Matthew (Emilia Vieira), Meghan (Lee Janzen), Erin (Changhai Zhu) and Coady (Kendra Jamieson). Peter, adored as “Poppi” by his grandchildren Morgan, Marina, Nolan, Terren, Emmerich and Jasper, is predeceased by his Parents Bill and Lilian and survived by his beloved siblings Bill (Dawn) and Susan (Mike).
Born in Montreal, Peter spent many summers at Lakeview, forming lifelong friendships fishing, exploring and causing mischief at one of his favourite places, Lake MacDonald. In his nearly 40 years in London’s Old South, he found friendship among his neighbours and colleagues. Peter was Professor Emeritus of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Western University. During his career researching muscle development and disease, work didn’t feel like “work” to Peter. He often referred to his lab as his “playground” and encouraged others to also follow their passions.
Peter will be remembered for his warm embraces, humour, intelligence and his remarkably caring heart. After passing through a storm Peter now has sunshine on his shoulders once again.
A celebration of life will be held August 8th, 2024, at Ivey Spencer Leadership Centre, 551 Windermere Road, London. We invite family and friends to share memories of Peter at 2:00pm, followed by an informal gathering until 6:00pm. To honour Peter’s enthusiasm for science and nature, donations may be made to the David Suzuki Foundation https:// davidsuzuki.org/. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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Murray and Beth Huff - David Suzuki Foundation
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Knowing Peter and Diane for many years through their Sister and Brother-in-law Lorraine Coady and Jim Pickering I can attest to what a lovely kind soul he was. He always had a gentle smile on his face ( like the picture, that was him) and it was always a joy to talk to him about anything. He was always interested in what you were saying and willing to share things that interested him with you. I am sad to know he will no longer be on this plane and hope that wherever he is that he is enjoying a glass of wine and a fish story. My condolences to the entire Merrifield family. Hugs.
So sorry for your family’s great loss. He is a wonderful man whose legacy will live on through his children and grandchildren. Sending greatest sympathy and condolences.
I am incredibly saddened by this news and my condolences and prayers go out to you Diane, Matthew, Meghan, Erin and Coady. Peter played an enormous role in my life – more than he realized. He was a wonderful mentor, teacher and friend and this world is less bright with him not here. I hope that he has found peace and comfort.
Judy and I are so very sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. Our sincere condolences to the entire family. I still look over at the house (Lake MacDonald) and see the family spending vacations there in my minds eye. RIP Peter, rejoice in being reunited with those gone before you.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Peter. He was always a friendly face and helpful hand around the ACB department. Peter was a mentor to many graduate students, loved by his undergraduate students and a kind neighbour in the hallway. I will remember you fondly.
I met Peter years ago and still vividly remember his warm presence, captivating smile, and contagious laughter. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, near and far. Please accept my heartfelt condolences, and may you find solace in the embrace of love and light during this challenging time. xxoo
I am so sorry to hear of Peter’s passing – he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He is remembered as a kind and generous colleague, mentor and friend in the Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology at Western, where he made many important contributions as a researcher and educator. As a young faculty member, Peter was so welcoming and encouraging when I first joined the department and this continued as I progressed through my career. Sincere condolences to Peter’s family – we are thinking of you during this very difficult time and hope that you will share many fond memories as well as tears.
Dear Diane, Bill, Sue and family, we’re so sad to hear of Peter’s passing. We have many wonderful memories of Peter, especially those from Verdun and up north. Our deepest sympathy. Terry and family xoxo
I am so saddened to learn of Peter’s passing. So many images of him: walking little white dog Bella along the street, stopping for a chat, bringing us warm banana bread, made by him, during the pandemic, the spokesperson everyone chose for neighbourhood events. He was a gem, and his passing is a huge loss for all of us. Loving condolences to Diane and his wonderful family.
My deepest condolences to Diane and all the family. I will remember Peter always with a smile on his face and something interesting and insightful to say. He helped me with his chats when I was a junior faculty member and beyond and it will never be forgotten. Peter was a great person and will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Peter.
Dear Diane and family, I was very sorry to hear the sad news of Peter’s passing. He was such a nice man; friendly, considerate and a pleasure to work with. I was particularly taken with Peter’s sense of social responsibility, in particular, his compassion for those less fortunate in society. He will be greatly missed.
It is with profound sadness that I learnt of Peter’s passing and am incredibly sorry Diane for your family’s loss. He will be missed near and far. I remember Peter’s love for science and research, although he willingly confessed, he hated grant applications. A kind person with a lovely soul, gone far too soon. Rest in peace my friend.
Dear Diane, I was deeply sadden to hear about the loss of Peter. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time. Peter was a good friend and colleague and he will be greatly missed.
I want to take a moment to remember my esteemed colleague, Peter Merrifield. A decent and intelligent man, Peter’s office was right beside mine, and I remember fondly how he always said, “My office door is open to welcome you and anyone.” His welcoming nature was a testament to his character, always ready to assist and support those around him.
Peter was exceptionally kind to my graduate students, always offering guidance and encouragement. As a colleague, he was invaluable, always willing to collaborate and share his insights. He had a wonderful sense of humour, often lightening the mood with his jokes. One of my favourite memories is of the candy jar he kept on his desk. Despite knowing I was a dentist, he always offered me candy, just for fun. Peter’s absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his memory will continue to inspire and guide us. You will be deeply missed, Peter. May you rest in peace, dear friend
Dearest Matthiew and family.
Please accept our sincere condolences for the passing of your dear Father. It is never easy to loose a parent. I pray that the almighty will give you the comfort and strength to carry on.
We will always remember Peter. He was one of the smartest, kindest, gentlest friend in our lives.
My Condolences Susan and Family .
Werner and I are very sorry to hear of Peter’s passing. We remember him as a very kind person who was always intersted in people. Peter and Diane made us feel very welcome in London, ON, when we moved here in 2007 from Germany. Peter was a well-appreciated senior colleague who gave me mentorship and guidance when I started out as a young Assistant professor. We will always remember him fondly – our condolences to the the Merrifield family.
Dear Diane and entire Merrifield family,
It was a true honor and pleasure to have met Peter. He always had a smile on his face and loved to talk about his work. We will always remember our river boat cruise in France with you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. With love your friends Miche and Alan Searles.
Dear Diane and family,
I heard rather late of Peter’s death and I was shaken, as were many others, because it just does not make sense that someone so happy and alive should now be gone, leaving the rest of us with so much less than we had before. I didn’t know him in Verdun, where we both grew up a year or two apart, but when we later met by incredible coincidence at the University of Virginia as postdocs a real friendship sprang up. We separately returned, around 1985, to academic positions in Canada, and I now deeply regret that we met again only on one or two occasions since then. I always enjoyed any conversation with him…he was spontaneously happy and positive, and with an active, but wise, sense of humor. I am very sorry to find out now that we will not meet again. Sincere condolences to all those left behind.
I’m very sad to hear of Peter’s passing. He was a valued collaborator and mentor to me when I first came to Western as an assistant professor over twenty years ago. It was a lot of fun working with him and I enjoyed his company and conversations. The photo is how I remember him. This is a painful period for the family and I wish them peace and comfort in honouring Peter’s life.