Peterborough remembers Peter Adams
Celebration of life for late Trent professor and politician
Will Adams recalled a story from when he was teenager to illustrate the caring nature of his late father Peter Adams after stepping up to the microphone before a crowd of 375 packed into St. John’s Anglican Church for a celebration of life service Saturday.
He recalled how his dad was perfectly okay with him borrowing the car, but warned him to stay off the back roads because a freezing rain warning had been issued.
No more than 20 minutes later, Will ditched the vehicle – but his dad only expressed concern for his well-being when he showed up.
Adams, a former Liberal Peterborough MP and MPP and founding professor of geography at Trent University, died Sept. 28 of cancer and kidney failure at 82. He is survived by his wife Jill, four adult children and nine grandchildren.
Will said he was unsure if he would be able to speak at the memorial without succumbing to his emotions, but said he wanted to honour the courage and dedication of his father. “I realized this was something I had to do.”
He went on to speak about how his family valued having a downtown home, where the door was always open, and how his dad loved great cinema like Lawrence of Arabia, The Bridge on the River Kwai, Master and Commander – and Fawlty Towers and Monty Python.
Family vacations were extra special because of his busy schedule, but they often ended up like National Lampoon’s Family Vacation, Will said before sharing fond memories of family travels to places like Europe and Africa.
He also spoke of rigid family traditions at family-favourite
Christmastime, such as no presents before Christmas morning. It was also the only time the family enjoyed cable television and sweetened breakfast cereals.
“It was definitely special times for my family at Christmas,” he said.
His father’s life in politics could be intrusive at times, but his family is ultimately proud of his many accomplishments, Will said.
His mom was “the rock that kept the train running on time” and his dad was the disciplinarian and together, they were “very much a perfect team,” he added. His encouragement will guide the family for the rest of their lives, Will concluded.
Grandson John spoke about how his grandfather attended events and functions for all of his grandchildren, many of whom lived in different provinces and countries. “Somehow Grandpa managed to influence each of our lives.”
He provided them with unique opportunities, such as getting to sit in the speaker’s chair or tour the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa and Queen’s Park in Toronto. “Grandpa went to extraordinary lengths to help us learn and grow.”
Granddaughter Marie pointed out that he wasn’t perfect, highlighting his less-than desirable ice skating lessons and how he encouraged his grandchildren to cook at very early ages “only because he was absolutely unable to cook himself.”
His passion and commitment to life was infections, she said. “We will always feel his hand on our shoulders guiding us.”
Colleague and friend Alan Brunger spoke of how Adams was researching climate change decades before global warming became a household phrase.
“His legacy will stand the test of time,” he said.
Brunger, who edited Adams’s five postretirement books, called him a born leader who seemed to be happiest when he was drilling holes in lake ice with his students.
“Peter was responsible for more lake holes that were never used for ice fishing than anyone else,” he said, prompting laughter.
Brunger also highlighted Adams’ sense of humour, including his scathing wit and flair for practical jokes – like how he volunteered to be the surprise in Santa’s sack for a Christmas event in the early years of Lady Eaton College.
Even Adams’s modest size proved too much for Saint Nick. “The surprise was ruined by the sounds of grunts and groans as the sack was dragged.”
Cathy Brunger, who worked for Adams for more than two dozen years, said he embodied all the traits one would expect in a great politician – intelligence, leadership, work ethic, energy and sincerity.
St. John’s rector Rev. Bradley Smith said Adams always wore Liberal red under his sweater at church events and was once asked which side you serve and clear a plate from. “Of course, he said, ‘You give from the left, and take from the right.’”