Obituary of S. Peter Safford

The death of S. Peter Safford, P.Eng. of Rothesay, husband of Carole Safford, occurred after a brief illness on Monday, February 5th, 2018 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Montreal on June 9th, 1936, he was the son of the late Garrett and Muriel Safford. Educated at Bishops College School and McGill University (B. Eng. 1958), Peter spent his entire career as a Civil Engineer with Richard & B.A. Ryan Ltd. He retired as president of the company’s Atlantic division in 1991. He transferred to Saint John from the firm’s Montreal office in 1978 while he was heavily involved with the construction of the new Saint John Regional Hospital. Although he completed so many projects over his career in Northern Quebec, Labrador, Ottawa, and Montreal, Peter was probably most proud of building the New Brunswick headquarters of the Royal Bank at the head of King Street in Saint John. He served as president of the New Brunswick Construction Association and his reputation in the industry was one of excellence and the highest integrity. His easygoing manner and his fluent French helped him to form great relationships with clients, architects, subcontractors, and all the skilled tradesmen who worked on his projects. Peter and Carole were married in 1960 and family life was wonderful – cottage life on beloved Brome Lake in the Quebec’s Eastern Townships, downhill skiing, and snowmobiling during winters. The family enjoyed many years of boating in Ontario’s Rideau Lakes and the Thousand Islands of the St. Lawrence Seaway. He was so proud of owning and restoring Margo V, an antique 1938 Chris Craft sedan cruiser. There was nothing he couldn’t build or repair with his skilled hands. Peter and Carole enjoyed an very active 27 year retirement – travelling to Florida and PEI regularly. Peter was active in his church, enjoyed woodworking, and was an accomplished watercolour painter. They made many wonderful friends in the Maritimes, across Canada and the US. Robust and vibrant until his last month, Peter recently said "I was never an old man". How true indeed. Besides his wife, Peter is survived by his two sons: Garry (Andree) of Rothesay, and David (Tara) of Saint John, brother Perry (Clare) of Ottawa, and grandchildren Garrett, Erin, and Ethan. Peter was predeceased by his younger sister Diane (Spencer) Lanthier. Resting at Kennebecasis Community Funeral Home, 152 Pettingill Road, Quispamsis, NB (849-2119) with visiting from 7-9 pm on Thursday, Feb 8th. Funeral Service will be held at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, 239 Quispamsis Road at 11 am on Friday, Feb 9th with a reception to follow in the church hall. Internment to take place at Grace Church Cemetery in Sutton, Quebec at a later date. The family wishes to thank the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at SJRH for their compassion and for taking such good care of Peter in this difficult time. For those who wish, donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the Palliative Care Unit at Saint John Regional Hospital or to the charity of the donor’s choice.