It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Alexander Coffey, who left us on November 1, 2025, at the age of 93, in Oakville, Ontario.

Born in the rural town of Quambatook, Victoria, Australia to Edward James Coffey and Kathleen Charlotte Rogers, Peter's life was one of adventure, family, and entrepreneurship. His early years were shaped by memories of counting sheep with his father in “the yards” before their dipping and shearing (the sheep, that is). After his father's untimely death, seven-year-old Peter moved with his mother and siblings to Melbourne, where he later graduated from De La Salle Catholic Boys School. After leaving teachers college, Peter embarked on a journey that would land him halfway around the world.

In 1957, Peter set foot in Canada en route from London England, taking his first job as a lifeguard at Cherry Beach in Toronto. A year later, he met Christine Edelle Munro, a wee Scottish lass headed to Australia. He proposed two weeks later—clearly a man who knew what he wanted. They married in 1960, and their plans to return to Australia were swiftly derailed by the arrival of their first child. One thing led to another, as it does, and they settled in Ontario with three more children to follow. The early years of his career saw the growing Coffey clan move from Toronto to Hamilton, Scarborough, North Bay, and Ottawa before settling in The Credit Woodlands in Mississauga, with Peter and Christine making their final home in Oakville.

Peter's career flourished in finance and real estate, moving from, Household Finance, to Royal LePage Realty before founding his own company, with his friend, Brian Carter, Credit River Realty. Later, he opened Re/Max Performance Realty, where Peter earned industry-wide respect for his fairness, and business acumen. Peter grew the business to over 100 agents and staff from 1986 until he sold the business and retired in 2001.

A lifelong lover of sport, Peter was a skilled athlete beginning with Aussie Rules football in St Kilda, Melbourne, where he also competed in swimming and diving, later excelling in tennis, squash and golf. He was a hockey, tennis and lacrosse dad, chauffeuring and supporting his children in all of their endeavours. As in life he wasn’t afraid to gamble, was always up for a game of poker (his mother's influence) and insisted on playing for real money, even if just pennies.

He was an avid reader and would wrangle a crossword puzzle daily. To break out into song, with a surprisingly refined voice when the moment called for it, was not unusual. Waltzing Matilda was a favourite in his repertoire. He would meet any challenge with courage and determination such as, facing the blistering waters and frozen shores of lake Nipissing in Northern Ontario - poles apart from the balmy beaches of Australia. He had a strong will and a competitive spirit. He was a gentleman. He was a leader, independent and equitable, standing up for things he deemed unjust - embodying the Australian motto, “fair dinkum”. He was intelligent, adventurous and lived with optimism. He had piercing green/blue eyes, long legs, long fingers, toes and eyelashes. Snakes were his nightmare. Peter found bliss basking in the sun, with a cold beer, a dozen oysters, discussing world events and contemplating life. He was articulate, savvy and sharp.

Peter was a devoted husband to Christine Edelle Coffey (née Munro) and a loving father to Stephen Edward, Michael John, Judith Ann, and Peter Munro. He was a proud grandfather to Sébastien and cherished his many nieces and nephews in Australia, cousins in New Jersey and family in-law in Scotland and France. He was predeceased by his siblings James, Patricia, and John, and his cousin Janice. All of whom he adored.

Before dementia started to dismantle his memory and his mind Peter revelled in the company of his family and great mates. Armed with an arsenal of anecdotes, he would ‘entertain the troops’ with a delightfully amusing story or joke, and had one for every occasion. He was funny, charming, quick witted and warm-hearted. He will be deeply missed and will live in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Cheers, she'll be right, mate!

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/peter-coffey/obituary/

Copy