Obituary of Rod Peak

PEAK, Roderick (Rod) Stuart - 

Passed away peacefully at the Markham Stouffville Hospital on April 14th, 2024 in his 87th year.  Rod was the loving husband of 26 years of Wendy Wise of Markham, father to Allan (Ling), Deanna (Eric) and Jeanette (Mike), brother to Sandy and Barbara and predeceased by his parents, Robina and Owen Peak.  Rod was loved by his stepchildren Janet, Tim, Gord (Sharon), Sally (Joe) and Pam (Bob) and adored by his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, extended family and friends. 

Born on May 19, 1936 in Toronto, Rod was an extraordinary man with a deep love of history and storytelling. 

His early years were spent growing up in Thornhill dreaming of adventures to come in the big world outside that small town.

Rod’s first journey took him to Northern Ontario where he was a real-life lumberjack.  His love of Temagami and his memories there endured through his life and he continued to read books on the history of that beautiful, storied part of our province.

The next chapter saw Rod working hard to support his family as an auto mechanic in a 24-hour garage in the heart of old Yorkville in Toronto.  That experience spawned many entertaining stories he was happy to share with anyone who was interested.

His tenure at The Shouldice Hospital in Thornhill had him contributing to the operation of the facility as well as the beauty of its grounds all while raising his children there in a home on the site.  This is where Rod met Wendy and started the next chapter including setting up a home in old Markham Village.

Rod’s interests were wide-ranging and he never talked himself out of trying something if only once.  He had an avid interest in antique toys and was a member of a Toronto Toy Club.  His knowledge and skill around studying and repairing old firearms led him to curate the display of old weapons at the Markham Museum.  Rod enjoyed studying old aircraft and started an online club of like-minded people during the Covid pandemic.  His favourite pastime was spending hours with his daughters scouring antique shops for that perfect find.  

Family and friends will be received at the Dixon-Garland Funeral Home, 166 Main St. North, Markham on Friday April 19th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.  Funeral service will take place on Saturday, in the Chapel at 3pm.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Markham Stouffville Hospital for their outstanding and empathetic care of Rod.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospital.