MCGUIGAN Peter Thomas

Peter Thomas McGuigan, 74, of Halifax passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 8, 2017 after a brief battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Dr. James Patrick and Stella Marie McGuigan. Peter, a life long resident of Halifax, was a locally known historian, holding degrees from both Dalhousie and Saint Mary’s Universities. After obtaining a Masters degree in Atlantic Canadian Studies, he published several books on such topics as: the Irish immigrants to Saint Patrick’s Rd., Hope River, P.E.; Cardinal James Charles McGuigan; Saint Mary’s University and South End Halifax. He was also a contributor to columns in the Southender and The Chronicle Herald newspapers. At the time of his death he was working on a book about the Poor House in South End Halifax. He was a regular fixture at the Nova Scotia Archives, Saint Mary’s University library and The Halifax Public Library. He could be found at one of those spots on most days diligently doing research. He was a voracious reader and loved nothing better than to quiz family members on current affairs and obscure facts known only to him. Under that quiet and gentle nature lurked a true competitor. He enjoyed trying to beat all comers at Trivial Pursuit and looked forward to the family games night after dinner on Christmas night. Peter took frequent trips to Charlottetown to do research at UPEI and to visit with his favourite aunt, Lillian McGuigan, as well as his numerous McKenna/McGuigan relations. Peter is survived by twin brother, Jimi MacGuigan; sisters, Mary Baglole (McGuigan), Catherine McGuigan and Sharon McGuigan-Baki; nephews, Neil McGuigan, Justin Ing, Joel Baglole and Matthew Baglole; nieces, Deirdre McGuigan and Christy DiLello (Baglole). Peter has been buried next to his parents in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville, N.S.