Peter J. Colby passed away on March 23, 2026, after a short hospital stay, just a few days before turning 93. The scientist, environmentalist, outdoorsman, painter, and athlete was surrounded by his three sons-Jim, Craig, and Scott-his granddaughter Danielle, and daughter-in-law Joanne.
Born on March 26, 1933 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to J. Emerson “Dutch” Colby and Jesse Elizabeth “Betty” Colby, Peter grew up loved by his parents who were also his close friends. Spending his early years on a farm helped him develop a deep appreciation for nature that stayed with him all his life. As a teen, he even raised a pet crow and became known for his genuine crow call.
In high school, Peter led the tennis team as captain. He also served as an artillery officer in the U. S. Army Reserve where he gained mental toughness and discipline that proved useful in later challenges.
One of Peter’s biggest early milestones was winning the heart of Dorothy Jacobon-a lively Nordic beauty. While stationed at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, her letters convinced him to pop the question at a drive-in during back-to-back movies “Love is a Many Splendored Thing” and “A Man Called Peter.” They married on December 27, 1957. Dorothy taught school while Peter worked at General Foods helping develop Tang-the drink used famously by NASA.
Their first son Jim was born in 1960. Even though it seemed like everything was set for Peter, he wanted more time outside so he enrolled in the fisheries research Ph D program at the University of Minnesota. While still studying there he and Dorothy had two more boys: Craig in ’63 and Scott in ’65.
After finishing his degree Dr. Peter Colby took a job with the U. S Fish and Wildlife Service in Ann Arbor Michigan. Five years later he decided it was time for something new so when offered a Senior Research Scientist role with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), they moved to Thunder Bay in 1971-which Peter always said was one of the best moves they made as family.
In Thunder Bay he really found his stride-skiing at Mount Baldy during winter months then hitting tennis courts at Thunder Bay Tennis Club come summer time. With Dorothy they enjoyed playing competitive bridge along with some intense family Scrabble games too! Besides sports he painted landscapes oil-style-a talent treasured by those closest to him.
In ’76 Peter organized the first Percis symposium which gathered experts worldwide focused on protecting freshwater fish species like walleye-earning him worldwide respect plus the nickname “King Walleye.” After retiring from MNR in ’95 he kept consulting across Alberta & Manitoba provinces plus sat on advisory councils helping manage fisheries resources including Indigenous fishing rights protection efforts.
The couple’s love for nature brought them often to Black Bay where their cabin sat hidden among trees; funny enough Peter named their outhouse “The White House” as nod back home! His favorite month? May – when warblers came back every year giving him great joy sitting out on deck watching spring unfold around him.
People really liked having Peter around no matter where he lived or what stage of life happened next – even after kids left town old friends dropped by regularly to see both Pete & Dorothy alike! He also stayed connected through military ties joining Senate of the 18th Service Battalion; when moving into Chartwell Hilldale Retirement Village became somewhat an ambassador promoting it constantly – maybe “Mayor” would’ve been better title since everyone knew & liked him!
Peter showed true strength especially while caring for Dorothy during her dementia struggles – visiting daily at Roseview Manor sitting quietly watching TV together then each night holding her hand or stroking her hair until she fell asleep. He did far more than expected but still felt it wasn’t enough when she passed Dec 11th ,2024. Though finding some comfort over following fifteen months without her nothing fully replaced losing his Viking Princess.
Pete was respected not only for smarts but warmth too – quick with jokes or wise words offering calm during tough times – simply put: exceptional guy through & through.
The family thanks everyone who supported Pete these last years especially staff at Chartwell Hilldale plus Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre emergency wards along with Terry & Gloria Ferguson; plus all friends & colleagues who added richness to his life journey.
He leaves behind sons Jim (Joanne), Craig (Nancy) , Scott (Natasha), grandchildren Danielle , Mitch , Shane , Curtis , Isaac , Savanne , Jamie Kok (Jon) and Ashley Kok (Jarod), sister-in-law Joan , nieces Julie & Carol plus nephew Louis.
If you’d like please plant a white cedar tree as tribute instead of flowers.
A gathering celebrating Pete’s life will be planned soon.
Taken back by earth yet planted forever deep within our hearts.
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