Obituary of Peter Austin Phelan

PHELAN, Peter Austin - Passed away, succumbing to complications related to diabetes at Welland General Hospital Sept 6th, 2014 at the age of 78. Peter was an exceptional, loving, giving man. He was a devoted father who spent his winters taking his family skiing and summers were filled with camping, boating, waterskiing and windsurfing. Peter began his career as a Roman Catholic priest, then left the priesthood and became a Guidance Counselor at Sutton High School and then at Twin Lakes Secondary School in Orillia. Peter was one of the pioneers of Co-operative Education in Simcoe County and all of Ontario. Peter was the President of the Ontario Co-operative Education Association for several years. Peter was then responsible for starting adult education for the Simcoe County Catholic School Board, and served as Director of the St. Joseph's Adult Education Centres in Barrie, Gravenhurst and Bracebridge. Lastly, Peter was also one of the Coordinators of the Barrie Career Centre. Peter was deeply involved with the Orillia Duplicate Bridge Club and was a Duplicate Bridge Silver Life Master. Peter is survived by his three children Kerrie and husband Frank Muschalla of Oakville and their daughter Taya; Margo and husband Tony Cocea of Los Angeles and their three daughters Emily, Cameron and Claire; and Brian Phelan and his wife Maureen Oxley of London and their children Kate, Rebecca and Michael; his brothers Tom (Carol) and Chris (Sherry) and their families. He is pre-deceased by his beloved wife Regina, married for 36 years. He will be deeply missed by his life-long friends Bernard and Diana Varcoe and other wonderful friends, including cousin Barb Heal and also Peter's dear companion and friend Joan Hunter. A Memorial Service will be held at Guardian Angels Church, 115 West St. North, Orillia on Saturday Sept. 27th at 2:00 pm and a Celebration of Life will take place at 335 Victoria Crescent at 4:00 pm. In memory of Peter those who wish may donate to Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Orillia or Welland General Hospital.