Obituary of Peter Thayer Banwell QC
February 15, 1943-January 1, 2025
Peter was a brilliant corporate lawyer, unsurpassed in his ability to find simple and elegant solutions to complex legal problems. However, his technical legal skills were not what distinguished him as a lawyer. What drew clients to him and inspired his colleagues was his superb judgement and absolute integrity. For him, the question was never only “what is legal”, it was “what is right”.
In 1966, Peter graduated with an economics and mathematics degree from Queen’s University. Over the next three years, he attained the highest standing in the class at Queen’s law school. In 1971, Peter was admitted to the Law Society of Upper Canada. He advised on corporate, tax and financial planning to private corporations, small businesses and their owners. Peter was a frequent speaker on business law matters to both the Ontario and Canadian Bar Associations. He was an early contributor to Current Tax Planning (Carswell). He served as counsel on income tax appeals to the Tax Court and Federal Court of Canada. In 1983, Peter was appointed Queen’s Counsel by the province of Ontario.
In addition to his busy law practice and leadership responsibilities at Sullivan Mahoney, he was actively involved in many community organizations serving on the boards of the Niagara College Foundation and the Trillium Foundation and is a Past-President of The Rotary Club of St. Catharines. An avid golfer, tennis player, and a “Thursday night” basketball player, he was a true and loyal friend with a sharp wit and great sense of humour.
No mere recitation of biographical details can do justice to the man. He inspired in all who knew him not just respect but enormous affection. He treated everyone equally, whether a corporate client or junior member of the law firm staff— with consideration, respect and compassion.
At the centre of his life was his wife Barbara, family of three children (David, Scott and Heather), their partners, and nine grandchildren. For them, he was a quiet, constant presence – never imposing himself, but always available with wise counsel and unwavering support. He was immensely proud of all his family.
The task now becomes to remember, to move past the diminishment that illness inflicted upon him and picture what he was, what he gave for so long. We loved him dearly; we miss him already.
Thank you to Paramed, March of Dimes, Aphasia Centre, Pioneer Elder Care, and many friends for the care and support he received.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Sullivan Mahoney Foundation at niagaracommunityfoundation.org, the Rotary Club of St. Catharines at Donation | Rotary Club of St. Catharines or the March of Dimes.
A reception to honour Peter’s life and share fond memories will be held at The St. Catharines Golf & Country Club, 70 Westchester Ave., St. Catharines, on Monday, January 20th, 2025. The family will welcome guests between 1 and 4 pm with brief remarks at 2:30 pm.
In keeping with the family’s wishes, arrangements have been entrusted to the George Darte Funeral Home. Cremation has taken place