We regret to advise of the death of Sapper Peter Jacques Grisdale (Ret’d) on 13 February 2014 at the West Parry Sound Health Centre in Parry Sound ON at age 94.
Peter was born in Penetanguishene ON. He was a veteran of the Second World War and served in the Italian and Northwest European campaigns with the 14th Field Company, Royal Canadian Engineers.
Peter was the eldest Métis in the Moon River Métis Council when he received their highest honour: The Order of Métis Nation Veteran Recognition. Peter had established the Veteran’s Memorial Cenotaph in Wood’s Bay to honour the Veterans of the Moon River area. He took a deep interest in the Moon River and Blackstone Harbour areas and conducted educational tours for students working for the Ministry of Natural Resources. Peter also initiated the Deer Feeding Program in the Woods Bay area. Peter was a lifetime member of the Parry Sound Anglers and Hunters, Parry Sound Pistol Club and Ducks Unlimited. In his later years, Peter wrote and published My Life on the Moon River: The Silent Nighthawks of the 14th Field Company of the R.C.E. 1st Division reporting his life in and around the Moon River area and his experiences as a Sapper.
A celebration of Peter’s life and the honouring of his accomplishments will be in the spring at the Wood’s Bay Cenotaph.