Obituary of Peter Jolly

It is with profound sadness that Peter's family announces his passing on July 29, 2022 in Rothesay, NB. Peter died peacefully at his home, finally succumbing to cancer. Born in Saint John, Peter was raised in Rothesay by his parents, Thelma and Harley Jolly. Peter was the proud father of Jennifer and Cynthia Jolly, brother to Braden Jolly (Norna), Jane Breen (Bill) and Martha Jolly (deceased).

Peter graduated from the University of New Brunswick in 1960 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He then received a Master's Degree in Soil Mechanics from the University of Toronto and earned a Doctorate in Engineering Hydrology from Colorado State University. Peter also proudly served in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve from 1953 to 1963 obtaining the rank of Lieutenant.

Peter maintained his passion for academia throughout his life. He held teaching positions in the Faculty of Engineering at Queen's University, the University of Ottawa and the National University of Ireland (Galway).  From 1973-2000 Peter worked as a Hydrologist with various engineering consulting firms as well as the Canadian International Development Agency, the World Bank and the United Nations. He worked on hydrology and irrigation projects in 19 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas and his work helped improve the living conditions of many around the world.  

Peter was especially proud and committed to his alma mater, UNB. He served on the Alumni Council, and Senate. In 2015, he received the Alumni Award of Honour.  Peter also established a bursary for undergraduate students in need of financial assistance.

When he retired in 2001, Peter returned to New Brunswick and resumed his interest in the Navy joining the Royal United Services Institute of New Brunswick. In 2021 he was awarded the RUSI-NB Certificate of Honour.

Peter also served as Director of the New Brunswick Historical Society and the St. John River Institute. Peter loved the outdoors: beekeeping in his backyard, sailing or canoeing on the water, and designing, building and maintaining the bridges over Taylor’s Brook. 

Peter’s family would like to thank his dear friend Mary Ann Holland for the dedication and care she gave to Peter in his last years.  We would also like to thank Peter’s many friends and neighbours for their kind assistance and interest in Peter’s well-being.  A special thank you to John Simson and Peter’s devoted personal support worker, Kim Rolfe.

Memorial Services will be held September 9, 2022, at 10 AM, with a reception to follow at St. Paul's Anglican Church on the Commons, 4 Church Avenue Rd. Rothesay. A private family interment will be held at All Saints Anglican Cemetery Clifton Royal.

Arrangements are under the care of the Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home. Online condolences may be placed at www.KennebecasisFH.com. The services will be livestreamed at https://www.stpaulsonthecommon.com. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the University of New Brunswick to the Peter Jolly Bursary online at www.unb.ca/memorialgift or to a charity of your choice.