Mighton Funeral Home LTD.
Funerals, Cremations & Life Celebrations
40 Years of Trusted Care
Ayton, Durham, Elmwood, Chesley and surrounding areas since 1984.
Surrounded by his family, Peter peacefully passed away at the age of 87, on Tuesday, July 15th, 2025. Over the last five years Dad had a number of health challenges that he courageously fought through. His strength lay in his faith, which he never wavered or abandoned. Peter was raised in Fort William (Thunder Bay). He was the beloved son of the late Norman and Francis (Watkinson) Legace. As a life long learner he excelled in teaching in and out of the classroom. He was a passionate model railroader who assembled an outstanding collection of model trains from the era of steam to the present. Peter was a voracious reader of Canadian and American history. As a natural academic Dad didn’t shy away from learning how to renovate a basement, construct buildings at the cottage, build furniture and create wooden toys for his grandchildren.
Peter graduated from St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto in 1959, and started his long, rewarding career as an educator. He retired from teaching in 1993, and enjoyed his retirement years, keeping busy with his family and with his hobbies. He enjoyed many years at his cottage and travelling throughout the world. Dad was a member of the Hanover Legion, and served on the Town Council. Peter married Rita Baxter in 1962 and together they enjoyed raising their 5 children: Peter (Linda), Barrie; Paul (Ines), Aurora; Anne (Robert) Gagnier, Alberta; Joseph (Jodi), Niagara Falls; and Robert (Debra), Hanover. Peter and Rita eventually became proud grandparents: Elizabeth, Spencer, Kathleen, Joseph, Meredith, Patrick, Baxter, Morgan, Xavier, James, Briar and Matthew. Rita passed away in 2010 after a lengthy battle with her terminal illness. After some time passed, Peter married Arlene Johnson and moved to Walkerton. Peter is survived by his loving wife Arlene as well as her son Bryan (Alenka) Johnson and their daughter Alyssa; daughter Laura (Jeremy) Christen and their children Ashton and Raegan. Dad is fondly remembered by many friends and the entire Baxter family.
Visitation will be held at Mighton Funeral Home, Hanover, on Sunday, July 20th, 2025, from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, July 21st, 2025 at 11:00 am, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Walkerton. Interment is at Holy Family Cemetery, Hanover.
Memorial donations to the Hanover and District Hospital Foundation, Hospital for Sick Children or St. Michael’s College would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
Tribute Slideshow Video
Dear Paul, Ines, James and Matthew,
Very sad news indeed. May God keep Peter's soul in peace, bless his soul and provide you all and the family with patience and fortitude to bear this loss. Our deepest condolences to Paul's family.
Syed and Salma Hussain
We were so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad.
He was such a fine gentleman and a very kind , thoughtful and good friend to our parents Harold and Carmen Fursman. He always brought his wonderful smile with him.
Sincere Condolences, The Fursman family.
Paul,
So very sorry to hear about your dad's passing. Know that thoughts and prayers are with you and Ines and the boys, as well as your whole family. May the many memories and stories of your dad which will continue to be shared be a source of healing and comfort to you all.
May your memories bring comfort. Peter was a special person. I really enjoyed every visit with him. Sending our condolences.
- Allan & Debbie AugerDear Ines, Paul and Family,
So sorry for your loss. Sending our deepest condolences to you and to all who loved him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Heather & Orph
I wish to extend my deepest condolences to you all. I am so sorry I didn't attend the funeral as I just learned of his passing today. Thinking of you and sending love and care.
- Maureen BarclaySo sorry for your loss Arlene and family. You all are in our thoughts. Sincerely. Larry, Marilyn Jagelewski.
- Larry,Marilyn JagelewsiTo the entire Legace family, I send my condolences.
Peter was a very good principal at SHHS and was a mentor to me as a student. His sons and daughter grew up in a loving family and it shows in their personal life and career choices.
Take care and I will keep him in my memories.
Andy Slosser
Dear Robert and Family,
We are so saddened to hear of Peter's passing. He was such a happy individual and I loved our chats about how to improve the Toronto Blue Jays and the Maple Leafs.
Sending you lots of prayers now and in the upcoming days
Tracey and Leanne
Paul, Ines and family,
Thinking of you during this difficult time. May a lifetime of memories bring you comfort and keep your father close.
Kathy and Ben
Please accept my deepest sympathy.
- Dave EllisSo sorry for your loss, please accept my deepest sympathy.
- Agnes B Speight-PritchardOur hearts break for the entire Legace family.
I know all too well what it's like to lose a father losing mine a week ago.
Please know that we are here for you, holding you close in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
The Pulis Family
We are so sorry for the loss of your father. We hold dear the very many memories growing up together filled with laughter, great food and even better times. We can only imagine how many euchre games were played by Peter, Rita and Mom & Dad, Beth and Jim Collins and smile now knowing they are shuffling the cards together once again. Grateful that Peter found Arlene to enjoy his later years with. Sending large hugs to all ..Scot & Sandra Collins
- Scot CollinsOur prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Rick, Jen ,Ryan and Adam.
Our deepest condolences to Arlene and Peter's families. We got to know Peter through our connection to Arlene and we always thought of him as a loving and kind gentleman. May your memories of his life and the times he spent with all of you, bring you comfort over the next few difficult days and as you remember him for years to come.
- Lynda & Kerry WithrowWe are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. Uncle Peter will be dearly missed.
Hailey, Willie, Rebecca & Jeremy
Janine and I send our deepest condolences to all of you during this difficult time. We both have many fond memories of our visits with Uncle Peter. Whether chatting about family or education he always had a warm smile and a funny story to share. We will miss those and his booming laugh very much.
Keeping you in our prayers.
Our deepest condolences to you Peter and Linda and entire family for the recent loss of your Dad Peter. Reading his obituary is amazing, what an incredible life he had. Filled with so many adventures, teachings and rewards - he left no stone unturned. We are so sorry for your loss and please know how much we care, hugs, Lois and Peter
- Lois Kolarik and PeterMy deepest condolences to the Legace family on the loss of your father. May your cherished memories hold a space near and dear in your hearts.
- Michelle Scime-SummersSending condolences and love to Peter's family. He was a lovely man. He always had a visit with my mother (Helen Cattani Hansen) when he came to Thunder Bay.
- Diane PiechotaMy condolences to the entire Family.
- Kevin ChittickMy condolences to Arlene and the Legacy family. All your Thunder Bay cousins have very fond memories of Peter. We all looked up to him, being the eldest in our family. I have fond memories of visiting he and Rita in Hanover with Uncle Eldege. He was a kind and loving person who will be missed.
- Margaret Celina WoodsDear Arlene and the Legace and Johnson family, I was so sorry to hear about the death of Peter. The days will be hard for all of you as you mourn the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. So glad Paul and I got to know Peter; a true gentleman!
With Sincere Sympathy, Heather
To Bob, Debbie and all the Legacy family. I am sorry to hear of the loss of your dear father grandfather, and all.
Thinking of you at this time. My prayers are with you.
When we pay tribute to our fathers, we honor the head of the household with love and praise that is due, and for leaving us the heritage of a life worth living.
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your family.
Love & Blessings from your friends.
Joe & Margaret Bews
Longview, AB
Arlene and the Legace family
Sending you our deepest sympathy and hugs in the loss of Peter.
To all the families of Peter we would like you to know we are thinking of you all and you are in our prayers . Peter was such a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by all especially his family God be with you all . Prayers and Hugs.
- Larry and Bonnie RodyBob, Deb and family I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, may you treasure all the memories you have created!
Take care of each other,
Trish Nichols
We are very sorry for your loss , God Bless
Scott & Adrienne Edwards and Family
Respected Peter as a Principal and Educator in our Catholic School System.Peter was full of wisdom.He will be missed by many!Sending our sympathy and prayers to all of his loved ones at this time.
- ED KINGBob and family , I am so sorry for your loss . Peter was a wonderful person and will be missed . Peace be with you all .
- Fred VanRooyenTo Arleen , and to Peter's family, I am sending to you my deepest sympathy!
Sincerely from Ruth Hobley.
Adrien and I are sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you and your family during this difficult time
- Catherine PalecznyBob, Debbie & Family
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad and grandfather . I will pray for Peter and for all of you in the coming days. I often celebrated Mass with him. Although he has left this life , I know he has left you all with a lifetime of wonderful memories. That's what special people do . Be well
Dave Cantlon
Bob, Debbie & Family
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your Dad and grandfather . I will pray for Peter and for all of you in the coming days. I often celebrated Mass with him. Although he has left this life , I know he has left you all with a lifetime of wonderful memories. That's what special people do . Be well
Dave Cantlon
Deepest sympathy to the Legace family. Mr Legace was the principal at Sacred Heart High School when I was there and he was such a nice man. I spent a few mornings in his office just chatting. Thinking of your family
- Paula Schinbein-ReedMy sincere sympathy to the Legace family. May the strength and love of family and friends replace your saddness during this difficult time, With wonderful memories of time shared together.
- Lynda MorganTo Arlene and the Legace family - We are saddened by passing of Peter. A man of dignity, intelligence and an interesting conversationalist.
Please accept our condolences - Al & Carol Ann Rams.
Our sincere condolences on the passing of Peter. Thinking of you during these difficult days. May you find comfort and peace in all the good memories you've shared as a family.
- Tom and Dale TraversyDear Paul, Ines, James and Matthew,
We send our heartfelt condolences for your dad and grandpa. He sounds like he was a special person. May he rest in peace.
Rita & Michael Ciccolini
Our deepest condolences to Arlene, Peter's family, and to all who knew and will miss Peter. Bill & Debbie Eidt
- Debbie E EidtSending condolences and love to all during this very difficult time.
- Peter and AndreaMy deepest sympathy to all of Peter's family on his passing. I hope your great memories give you comfort in the hard days ahead and forever warm your hearts.
- Beverlee Gateman
