The Haileybury society is saddened to learn this week of the death of Dr Peter Elliot Kennedy Will (E 46) who has died at the age of 86 on 19th May 2019. Peter was a paediatrician in Canada until his retirement.

Peter’s published obituary is reproduced here:

Born to the manager of a tea plantation in Sri Lanka, he was educated in both South Africa and England, receiving his medical degree from London University in 1956. After doing 2 years National Service as an army doctor in Cyprus and the Middle East, he returned to England to specialize in Pediatrics at the Southampton Children’s Hospital.

Vancouver in the 1960s

In 1960 he came out to Vancouver and worked at Shaughnessy Hospital (meeting Karen while on vacation at Yellow Point Lodge on Vancouver Island), before moving to Toronto so he could work at both the Sick Kids Hospital and the Children’s Hospital. After getting married to Karen in 1963, they moved back to Vancouver in 1964, where they eventually settled in North Vancouver.

35 years in children’s medicine

Joining Dr. John Poole at Burnaby Hospital in Pediatric Practice after obtaining his F.R.C.P. (C), they spent the next 35 years running a successful practice at Burnaby Hospital and Children’s Hospital, along with offices in both North and South Burnaby.

Wide range of interests

Retiring in 2000 and not one to stay idle he travelled the world with Karen, learnt Italian, played tennis several times a week, was an avid gardener, and swam daily at Hollyburn Country Club. Anybody who knew him knew that he lived by his routine, and knew exactly where to find him at any given time during the day (even when on holiday in Kauai). He only started slowing down after a lobectomy following a diagnosis of lung cancer in his 70’s. Even after this setback he continued to thrive, defying the odds and surviving another 12 years.

Peter passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He was 86 years old and is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Karen; his 2 sons Mark (Lisa) and Nick; his 3 grandchildren Lachlan and Mikayla (Mark) and Aidan (Nick). He was a kind and generous man who is beloved by his family and the many others that were lucky enough to cross his path. We will miss him greatly.’

The Haileybury Society extends its deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Peter’s family and friends.