Obituary of Peter Thomas

David Peter Thomas, beloved husband of Helen and loving father of Catherine and Rachel, died at home in St. Andrews in the early hours of July 20th of colon cancer, aged 68. Peter was born in Manchester, England, of Welsh parents, David Edgar and Hannah Melvina. A professor of English at UNB Fredericton for 28 years, Peter earned his first degrees at the University of Wales, Cardiff, and his Ph. D. from the State University of New York. He and his wife immigrated to Canada in 1966. A writer all his life, Peter published collections of poetry, a novel, works of literary criticism and several books on local history, notably Strangers from a Secret Land, nominated for the Governor General's Award in 1987. In 1980, Peter took over Fiddlehead Poetry Books from its founder, Fred Cogswell, and established a prose arm, Goose Lane Editions, today a highly-acclaimed publishing house. He was an excellent athlete and avid salmon angler, teaching several good friends the art of fly fishing. Peter was an expert gardener and helped design, build and maintain gardens for both his daughters as well as for himself and his wife. A lover of opera, Peter enjoyed performances at several international opera houses and listened faithfully to Metropolitan broadcasts. He will be much missed by his extended family and the many friends near and far who have supported him through his illness. Survived by wife Helen (Price), daughters Catherine and Rachel, son-in-law Jerry Hamilton, sister-in-law Janet Price and family of California and brother-in-law Anthony Price and family of Toronto. In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. No visitation please. A service of rememebrance will be held on Sunday, September 30th, 2007 at 2:00 pm from Wesley United Church, William Street, St. Andrews. Arrangements in care of MacDonald's Funeral Home, St. Stephen. 506 … 466 - 3110 www.macdonaldfh.com