Peter J. Colby passed away on March 23, 2026, after a short stay in the hospital, just three days before his 93rd birthday. The skilled scientist, environmental advocate, outdoor enthusiast, painter and athlete was surrounded by his three sons, Jim, Craig and Scott, along with his granddaughter Danielle and daughter-in-law Joanne.
Peter was born on March 26, 1933 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to J. Emerson “Dutch” Colby and Jesse Elizabeth “Betty” Colby. His parents cherished him deeply and he viewed them as friends as much as he did parents. Growing up on a farm fostered his love for nature-a passion that would shape his life. As a teen, he even raised a pet crow and became known for his distinctive crow call.
In high school, Peter captained the tennis team. He also served as an artillery officer in the U. S. Army Reserve which instilled in him mental strength and discipline. He believed that the lessons learned during military service were invaluable in tackling challenges throughout his later years.
A significant milestone in Peter’s early life was catching the eye of Dorothy Jacobon, an impressive Nordic beauty. The letters she sent while he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma motivated him to propose-he did so at a drive-in movie during a double feature of “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” and “A Man Called Peter.” They tied the knot on December 27, 1957. While Dorothy taught school, Peter worked at General Foods where he contributed to developing Tang for NASA’s space program.
The couple welcomed their first child Jim in 1960. Though it seemed like everything was perfect for Peter, he yearned for more adventure outdoors; so he enrolled in the fisheries research Ph D program at the University of Minnesota. Ambitiously enough, while still studying he and Dorothy had two more sons-Craig arrived in 1963 followed by Scott in 1965.
After earning his degree, Dr. Peter Colby took up a position with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Five years later he sought new horizons when offered a role as Senior Research Scientist at the Ministry of Natural Resources leading to their family’s relocation to Thunder Bay in 1971-a decision Peter often called one of his best choices ever made; his family wholeheartedly agreed.
In Thunder Bay, Peter flourished-enjoying skiing at Mount Baldy during winter months and playing tennis at the Thunder Bay Tennis Club come summer time. Both he and Dorothy engaged actively with friends over competitive bridge games or intense Scrabble battles with family members. An accomplished oil painter particularly known for landscapes left behind works that are now treasured by loved ones.
Peters’s commitment culminated when he organized the inaugural Percis symposium back in 1976-bringing together scientists from around globe focused on safeguarding freshwater fish species’ well-being through shared knowledge exchange efforts! Upon retiring from MNR after many successful years working there until1995; earning himself global recognition among peers-including nicknamed affectionately “King Walleye.” Even after retirement though remained active serving consulting roles across provinces such Alberta & Manitoba plus sitting on advisory council dedicated preserving fisheries management rights Indigenous people enjoy today!
Peters’ affinity towards nature led him & Dorothy toward Black Bay where they constructed camp secluded amidst trees surrounding them – humorously naming outhouse “The White House”. May held special place within heart since loved watching warblers return each spring alongside witnessing other wildlife rituals unfold nearby.
Wherever went everyone adored him-even once sons had moved out-of-town friends still dropped by visiting both him & Dorothy frequently! Joining Senate associated w/18th Service Battalion continued legacy military background proudly carried forth throughout lifetime! Later residing Chartwell Hilldale Retirement Village embraced role ambassador promoting facility warmly welcoming visitors often regarded perhaps better title might’ve been “Mayor” due many friendships formed amongst staff residents alike!
Peters true character shone brightest especially following Dorothys battle dementia facing daily visits Roseview Manor; spending time watching TV together each night holding her hand stroking hair gently till sleep overtook her peacefully night after night showing unconditional love beyond imagination despite struggles faced coping everyday without asking anything back from anyone else really deeply touched all who witnessed these moments unfold… After losing her December11th two-thousand twenty-four couldn’t find joy again whole fifteen months following felt devastated bearing weight sorrow never fully healed loss beloved Viking Princess left behind..
Peters intellect humanity revered universally alike! During tough times always there offering comfort warmth humor sagacious insights whenever needed uplifting spirits surrounding those fortunate enough cross paths with this exceptional man called Pete.
The entire Colby family wishes express sincere gratitude towards everyone who supported Peters journey during final phase including wonderful staff Chartwell Hilldale medical teams Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Terry Gloria Ferguson amongst countless others enriching lives way possible leaving lasting impacts everywhere they went..
Peter is survived by sons Jim (Joanne), Craig (Nancy), Scott (Natasha), grandchildren Danielle Mitch Shane Curtis Isaac Savanne Jamie Kok (Jon) Ashley Kok (Jarod), sister-in-law Joan nieces Julie Carol nephew Louis!
Please consider planting white cedar tree memory honor Peters legacy instead flowers per request family wishes share thoughtful gesture reflecting spirit cherished loved ones forever will reside deepest hearts ours all 🌳
A celebration life honoring Pete set take place sometime soon upcoming future details shared later date upcoming announcement found follow-up correspondence shortly thereafter reaching out concerned parties involved directly if any questions arise want clarify ask freely seek answers available regarding event arrangements forthcoming beforehand too 😊✨
