Bayly, Dr. Peter Lorimer

Dr. Peter Lorimer Bayly passed away peacefully on March 2, 2024 surrounded by family. To the town of Lively he was Dr. Bayly, a well-loved and respected physician, but to others he was a son, brother, husband, father, father-in-law, uncle, grandfather, traveler, story-teller, and friend. In his over 50 years of practice, his patients and colleagues were a second family to him.

Peter will be remembered for being a gentle and loving father to his children Heather (Martin Bain), Thomas, and Gillian. He was the kindest and most thoughtful husband towards his wife Jeannette, spending an astounding 60 years together. In this time he did not fail to set the bar impossibly high for any prospective partners of his daughters or granddaughters. Even more, Peter was a sounding board to family, a great advice giver who would stay up till the wee hours of the morning solving “all the problems of the world” with his loved ones. His amazing sense of humour remained on the forefront until his final days.

Peter spent years coaching his daughters and their Walden ringette teams. This translated into a love for watching his grandchildren on the ice and on the court. He was his grandchildren’s (Bayly, Taylor, Sydney, and Jack) biggest fan and supporter, moving heaven and earth to ensure his attendance at hockey games and volleyball tournaments.

Peter travelled the world with Jan by his side, coming home with countless stories about far-off places and amazing cultures and experiences. He was never afraid to try new things and was always a young soul, maintaining a sound and cheerful mind well into his later years. He was quite the dare devil and shared many happy memories with friends and family on numerous white-water canoeing, sailing, and skiing excursions.

Peter spent countless hours at camp in McGregor Bay, which he made a second home for him and his family. Peter made camp a safe-haven for all who came, and to many their favourite place on earth. Beyond fishing (a love for which his grandson, Jack, has taken over) and acting as the island’s handyman (a trade which his son-in-law, Martin, has happily adopted), Peter was a pillar in the McGregor Bay community and advocated for the preservation of its natural beauty.

With his passing, Peter will be joining his youngest daughter, Gillian, who will be waiting for him with a glass of wine. We invite all to make a toast in Peter’s memory on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at 4:45pm with a beverage of your choice, a few months prior to his 87th birthday. Following Peter’s wishes, there will be no formal service.

If you take any inspiration from Peter, let it be “if you can be anything in life, be kind”