Mr. Peter Kelly

1929 - 2013

Mr. Peter Kelly obituary, 1929-2013, Toronto, ON

BORN

1929

DIED

2013

FUNERAL HOME

Trull Funeral Home & Cremation Centre

2704 Yonge Street

Toronto, Ontario

Peter Kelly Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Apr. 5, 2013.

Kelly, Peter

Peter Kelly died in the early morning hours of April 5, 2013 at the age of 83. He will be deeply, deeply missed by his beloved wife, Flora Macdonald, his daughter Stephanie Metzger (Robert) of Highland Grove, Ontario, his son, Christopher Kelly (Angela) of San Jose, California, and his grandchildren Zachary and Gregory Metzger and Alexandra and Brendan Kelly. Also left to mourn are his dear brothers Christopher (Vivien) of Shepton Mallet, England, and Bernard (Myra) of Cobham, England, as well as loved nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews in England.
Peter was born in Cuddington, Cheshire, England in 1929, the eldest son of Jim and Marjorie (nee Sanders) Kelly. He grew up at the White Barn Hotel where his father was the licensee, and was educated at Prior Park School in Bath, Somerset. After leaving school he began his film career with Times Film in Chester. In 1951 he travelled to Iraq as cinematographer on "The Third River" about a new oil pipeline in the Middle East. He remained in Iraq for five years making films throughout the Middle East for the Iraq Petroleum Company Film Unit.
In 1956 he immigrated to Canada where he worked with Crawley Films in Ottawa and the National Film Board in Montreal. Soon after arriving in Canada, he married Margaret Joyce Phillips who predeceased him in 1982. In 1959 he began his career at CBC in Toronto as a news cameraman on "Close-Up" and "Newsmagazine". He then spent two years at CBC Winnipeg as Film Producer. Returning to Toronto, he produced the documentary series "Telescope" for several seasons. He later produced and directed such full-length documentaries as "Once Upon a Hundred Years" to celebrate Canada's Centennial, and "And We Were Young" about Canada's role in the First World War.
He joined CBC's Drama Department, co-producing the series "Ritter's Cove" with a German film company, and went on to produce movies for CBC - "Gentle Sinners" and "Getting Married in Buffalo Jump" among others. He completed his CBC career in Halifax as Director of Network Development for Eastern Canada.
He returned to Toronto in 1993 to take early retirement. In 1999 he and Flora Macdonald were married.
Peter was a brilliant photographer, a voracious reader of literature, history and biography, and a lover of art and of classical music and jazz. He was an enthusiastic film- and theatre-goer and a globetrotter for work and pleasure. He loved fine food and was an excellent cook. He was also noted for his wicked sense of wit and humour.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, April 11 at 10:30 am at the Franciscan Church of St. Bonaventure, 1300 Leslie Street just south of Lawrence Avenue. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Smile Train or the World Wildlife Fund. Online condolences may be made at www.trullfuneralsyonge.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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23 Entries

April 15, 2013

As with so many familiar names here, Peter played an important part in my life and career, arriving has he did at the CBC's Film Service in 1958 like a breath of fresh air - a cinematographer from the 'new school'. I was his assistant for a while and his generosity ("Here, take this Arriflex and go and shoot some stuff for the story.") was a remarkable break from tradition. I came full circle, shooting a Telescope with Peter directing (as well as being pulled over by California police as we raced two very new Ford Mustangs on the Interstate) ... Peter's loss brings back so many memories and appreciation for the trust he showed in me and the on-going friendship, unique to CBC'ers, of almost 60 years that we enjoyed and, later, with Flora, who is very much in our thoughts at this time.
Grahame & Glorya Woods

April 13, 2013

Stephen Hudovernik

Dear Flora, Steph and Chris and the entire family. My condolences to you all. We have been good neighbours for a long time. Wishing you strength at this most difficult time.

April 11, 2013

Justne Till

Peter,
Thank you for being a most gracious and devoted friend to my father. You will be greatly missed and forever remembered by me as a gentle giant and the kindest soul.
All my love. Justine Till

April 11, 2013

Peter's spirit will always be there for those who knew him and especially for you Flora. He was a mighty presence, always "Mr. Burberry" dapper, with an infectious sense of humour. I so enjoyed conversations with him and could always rely on him to return books I loaned him. Exemplary in every way.
To Peter, to you and to Philip Larkin.
Jim Swan.

April 11, 2013

Peter was one of a kind - a lovely man.We met, more than 50 years ago, in the grotty old Film dept at 22 Front St . Apart from being good at everything he did ,he thought a lot about serious stuff and had the most wonderful sense of humour.Please accept my deep condolences and sympathy Flora.....

Juliet Mannock , Cobourg.Ontario

April 10, 2013

Peter and Flora. witty,graceful, appreciative and kind. So glad I was to know you both as encouraging and enthusiastic producers. So lucky to be counted as a friend. Claire

April 10, 2013

Mary Rickard

Dear Flora,

Ted & I have such warm memories of our annual May 24th get togethers at Ken Black's; they were such fun days, full of laughter and tall tales. I know he was the light of your life as you were of his and as long as he is strong in your heart, he has never truly gone.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you both.

April 9, 2013

Dear Peter God bless. To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.
Eric

April 9, 2013

Dear Flora, You have my heartfelt condolences. Peter was such a lovely man and a true gentleman. I am thinking of you most sincerely at this sad time.
Gail Cochran (Brisbane Australia)

April 9, 2013

Fern Rubinstein

Flora, it's been many years since I last saw you and Peter, probably at the Authors' Festival at Harbourfront. But you both are indelible in my mind from the time I spent on the 5th floor at 790 Bay, always seeing you in tandem bounding through the Drama Department. Though I never worked directly with you both, the passion and commitment you brought to your projects was obvious. No doubt it was a rare and unique partnership, and it was a great privilege to have encountered you and Peter (along with his killer wit) all those years ago.

April 9, 2013

Elena and Florin Zamfirescu

Dear Flora,
We met Peter once but we know of your love for each other as well as your shared love of art. Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time...

April 9, 2013

Ed Vincent

Flora,
I am so sorry for your loss. I always knew Peter to be a scholar and a gentleman. With his impressive background and what he was able to do at CBC he leaves a fine legacy. You and Peter touched me whenever we met, with your interest in what I was up to after retirement. Please take care.

April 9, 2013

Hope & Joe Partington

Dear Flora, Please accept our condolences on your loss. As I think you know, Peter generously advocated for me at a key moment in my career and I shall be forever grateful for his support. The photographs are wonderful. Farewell, Peter.

April 9, 2013

Linda Bangay

Steph, Rob, Zach, and Greg: We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad and Grandfather. Please know that we will be there for you during this difficult time. - Linda and Marty

April 8, 2013

Patricia Grenier

Flora, I met Peter only a few times in your company, but I certainly knew this - that you were very, very happy together. I am so sorry for your loss.
Patricia Grenier (Toronto)

April 8, 2013

Flora.I cannot believe it.Having worked with Peter and your self I mourn for you.
Peter was one of my inspirations when I was at my lowest. The world is a better place for his having been here. His grace and humour I shall always remember.
Gerry King

April 8, 2013

Mike Bennett

I had the very good fortune to work with Peter and Flora at the CBC in Toronto and I will hold in my memory Peter's grace, kindness and good humor.

April 8, 2013

Robert Hutt

To Flora - as you know we all go back a long way. I learned so much from Peter and in turn worked on so many projects shooting his films. He was always the gentleman, the first to offer help, kind and understanding. Please know we are thinking of you and your loss. Robert Hutt, (New Ross, Nova Scotia)

April 8, 2013

Mike and Norma Kopsky

To Flora and family, we are so sorry for your loss. If we can do anything to help you or your family please call.

April 8, 2013

Lisa Swainston

Flora, I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family.

April 8, 2013

Richard Longley

I did not know Peter well - I wish I'd known him better - but I did know him long and well enough to know that he was a remarkable and generous man and a superb documentarian.
Flora, please accept my condolences and, at this saddest of times, my best wishes for the future.
Richard Longley (The Nature of Things, 1974-1995)

April 8, 2013

Stephen Brooke

Peter was simply a lovely man, who I feel so lucky to have known. My deep condolences to Flora.

April 7, 2013

Mary Seto & Norman Chin Lue

We are so sorry for your loss. May the love & support of your friends and family carry you through your grief.

Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results

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