Peter Norwood

In loving memory of Peter Norwood, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by long time friends and the exceptional care staff at Meaford Long Term Care at 05:10 EST on May 5, 2017.

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This is not a tragedy: it is a blessing. He had a great big life, and truly amazing friends. He chose his death. Being a practicing Buddhist, he chose to starve himself after a heart operation and major stroke took away his desire to live. 24 weeks of not eating anything more than a mouthful here or there. He was able to make his own decisions about daily things – like food and water – until almost the end.

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Loving husband of Penny. Beloved father of Jane Norwood, Helen Gardiner and Richard Norwood. Proud grandfather of Alexander and Johnathan Gardiner. Loyal friend to many.

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Dad was a Renaissance man: Born in England in 1931, he emigrated with baby Jane and first wife, June Koster, in 1958 and built a new life in Canada. Draftsman, builder and sailor of boats, adventurer, story-teller, self-proclaimed terrible bridge player, lover of opera, supreme gardener and art historian. He loved a challenge and kept on learning new things throughout his life. Most of all he made us laugh. He kept his heart open and lived life with vigour and authenticity. He was our guiding light and our joy.

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The family would like to thank the many friends who have supported dad and the family through this vigil, particularly David Ruppel and Suzanne Noble, Anne Fisher, Coryll Harwood, Peter and Mary Brown. We also are very grateful to the caregivers at Meaford Long Term Care who quickly understood dad's faith and fully adhered to his non-intervention requests while giving him excellent care.

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We are so grateful for how this transpired and that he has been released from a temple he no longer needs. He is dancing with Penny and smoking stogies with his brother Tony somewhere.

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God speed. Namaste.