Born on March 15, 1949, in Denmark, Peter Kiar was the fourth of six children born to Frits and Inger (Qvist) Kiar. In December 1950, Peter travelled with his family to North America aboard the MS Batori, arriving in New York before making their way to Canada.
The family eventually settled on a farm in Odessa, Ontario, where Peter developed his skills in animal husbandry and began what would become a lifelong love of dogs. Growing up on the farm wasn’t always easy, but there was certainly no shortage of adventure. Peter and his brothers got up to their fair share of high jinx, creating memories and stories that would last a lifetime. While it could be hard on the farm, those shared experiences forged a long-lasting bond between the siblings.
Peter began his working life as an airplane mechanic at the Kingston Flying Club. Ironically, despite working around aircraft, he was never particularly fond of flying in small planes! It was there that he also played a role in bringing a little romance into his baby sister’s life, introducing her to the man who would become her first husband.
Peter later joined the Ministry of Transportation as a heavy machinery mechanic, where he met his future spouse, Catherine Doherty. Together, Peter and Catherine shared many loving years, memories, and, naturally, a growing collection of dogs. Their love of dogs also brought them a wonderful circle of friends at the dog park, where countless visits, conversations and shared laughs became part of their lives. Their time together was filled with love and companionship, and Peter was left with a deep sense of loss when illness took Catherine far too soon.
Outside of work and family, Peter enjoyed flying model airplanes and in his early years hunting. He traded his hunting methods for a crossbow, giving his prey a slightly better chance of making a safe getaway.
Peter was a big man with an even bigger heart. He was dearly loved by his many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family and held a special place among them as a favourite uncle. Whether through his stories, his sense of humour, his love of animals or simply the way he made people feel welcome, Peter left his mark on those who knew him.
Peter will be lovingly remembered by his siblings Chris Kiar (Gwen), Fred Kiar (Judy), Tony Kiar (Cathy), and Christina Hastings (Richard), and his aunt Kirsten Kiar Lindell of Denmark along with his many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Peter is predeceased by his beloved Catherine; his eldest brother, Knud, of Denmark; and his parents, Frits and Inger Kiar.
He will be remembered with love, laughter and gratitude by his family, his many friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known him. He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Epilepsy Canada https://www.epilepsy.ca/ or Ontario SPCA and Humane Society https://ontariospca.ca/
Celebration of life will take place Saturday November 7, 2026 at 1pm at Oshawa Funeral Home 847 King St. W. Oshawa, Ontario L1J 2L4
