Peter Hnatiw, who was 93 years old, passed away on July 23rd, 2026 at home with his wife Patricia by his side. He was born in Fort William and went to Ogden and Fort William Vocational High School. Peter started his career in 1950 working as a camp clerk for Brompton Pulp & Paper Co. out of Beardmore, Ontario, where he first learned to curl. In 1952, he joined the Port Arthur Public Utilities Commission in the Telephone Department. After the merger in 1970, Peter became the Utilities Accounting Co-ordinator for the City of Thunder Bay and retired in 1986. In 1969, he earned his CCP (Certified Credit Professional) designation after completing a three-year program through the Canadian Credit Institute and later became an honorary life member of that institute. From 1987 to 1998, Peter worked as a Court Registrar for the Ministry of Attorney General at Superior Court. During his younger years, he played minor hockey as a goalie with East End where he shared ice with teammates like Alex Delvecchio, Hank Cahan, and Eddie Kachur. Although signed by the Montreal Canadiens organization in 1950, Peter chose to work at Brompton Paper instead. He loved curling and golfing too. Peter was part of Bill Tetley’s rink that won the Canadian Brier Curling Championship in 1975 alongside Rick Lang and Bill Hodgson. The team went on to compete at the world Air Canada Silver Broom event held in Perth, Scotland. Additionally, Peter curled with BO Britton on four rinks during National Telephone Employees Curling Championships. Back in the ’50s, he also played catcher for the Port Arthur Giants baseball team and attended their 50th anniversary reunion in June 2003. In recognition of his contributions to sports, Peter was inducted into both the Northwestern Sports Hall of Fame in 1986 and Thunder Bay Walk of Fame in November 2003. For many years afterward, he served as the official starter for golf tournaments at Thunder Bay Country Club and enjoyed weekend games with friends Steve, Kent, Fraser, and Lee. Swimming at Canada Games Complex was another favorite activity shared with Pat along with attending performances by Thunder Bay Symphony Orchestra which he actively supported. He was a member of Port Arthur Curling Club and held honorary life membership status at Fort William Curling Club too.
Peter had a love for travel visiting places such as Hawaii, Cancun, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic among others. He cherished memories made during trips abroad with Opaski family including destinations like Paris, London Spain Tangiers Morocco along with Rhodes island (Greece). Every Spring and Fall saw him travel together with Pat to Las Vegas where they frequently tried their luck on slot machines.
He lost Sophie-his wife of over four decades-in1996; daughter Donna followed him after passing away in2010 while sister Mary sadly died during infancy too. Peter’s parents Anne (mother) Harry (father), brother Paul along-with sister-in-law Lois also predeceased him. He’s survived by Patricia (Goose), sister Mary (Robert) Gregoire from Paso Robles California plus step-children Brenda(Tom) Wright , Karen(Murray) Legros , Rob(Lori ) Goose & Rhonda Goose.
At Peter’s request , cremation has already taken place ; private interment service will occur later.
Special thanks go out towards Paramed Nurses Julie , Monica & Megan whose care along-with compassion meant so much over these past years. His family would like express gratitude towards Dr. Trochimchuk , Dr. Acedillo , Dr. Simpson &Thunder Bay Emergency Services for all assistance rendered throughout this time period.
“AS TIME GOES BY”
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
