Obituary of Peter Neudorf Sr.
Peter Neudorf Sr. was born on March 1, 1930 in the small Mennonite Village of, Neuanlage, Saskatchewan. In 1942, at the age of twelve, he moved to Ontario, near the town of Jordan with his family. At this time, Peter had not yet learned to speak English as his first language was Low German. As a young boy on his way to school, Peter would pass a beautiful 20-acre farm and think to himself, ‘How is it possible that someone could own something so wonderful’. Peter’s grandmother had taught him a Plautdietch (Low German) saying, “Wann Aul, Dann Aul” which translates to, “If you’re going to dream, dream big!” And that is exactly what he did. In 1962, Peter and his wife, Dora bought that very special property and forever it would be known as The Farm.
Family has always held the # 1 place in Peter’s heart. Dora and Peter had just celebrated their 73rd Wedding Anniversary 9 days prior to his passing on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2024 in his 95th year. He was a proud, loving and supportive father to their 8 children, Sandy, Jeff, Peter, Rob, Bill, Catherine, Terry, and John, 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.
The # 2 spot in Peter’s heart, was his work. Ferguson-Neudorf Glass, the company he founded with his dear friend, Keith Ferguson, was his life's passion and legacy. At his age, he still managed to get to the office to see how things were going and he especially enjoyed touring his 2 plants (on his golf cart) and talking to his many employees.
The # 3 place is held by his love for Pinot Noir (which he planted at The Farm) and the joy of sharing a bottle (or two) along with a bite to eat with family and friends. He sure enjoyed his daily card games with Dora, keeping a yearly tally of who’s winning.
Although Peter converted to Catholicism when he married Dora, his passion for the Mennonite religion would stay with him throughout his life. He was especially interested in the history of Mennonites from the Reformation to modern times. Keith Ferguson once commented that if Peter didn’t make it in the glass business, he would have become a history professor teaching young Canadians about the evolution of the Mennonite religion throughout the world.
Peter will be sadly missed; he was a father figure to so many young people throughout his life. He will forever be remembered as a humble, hardworking and generous man whom was an inspiration to everyone he met.
In honouring Peter’s wishes, funeral arrangements have been entrusted with the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines. The family will receive guests for visitation on Wednesday, December 11th from 2:00 – 4:00pm and 6:00 – 8:00pm. With respects to the funeral service, the family have requested this to be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to the Community Care – St. Catharines and/or New Hope Church Niagara – St. Catharines in memory of Peter.