Obituary of Peter Tasker

TASKER, Peter H. MC, MD, FRCS,passed away peacefully at his residence in Lion's Head surrounded by his family on Thursday, June 19, 2008 in his 92nd year. Peter was the first son of Mabel and Bertrand Tasker of Yorkshire, England and graduated from Leeds University in 1940 as an MD. Following graduation he volunteered with the field ambulance before joining the 1st Special Service Brigade, No. 6 Commando in 1941. After service in North Africa and the Normandy Invasion he was personally decorated with the British Military Cross for bravery by Field Marshal Montgomery. Peter also saved the life of Lord Lovatt on the battle field and was later thanked by Lord Lovatt himself when they appeared together on the British TV show 'This Is Your Life.'Following VE Day, Major Tasker was trained as a General Surgeon at Leeds University and became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (FRCS) as then Assistant Professor of Thoracic Surgery. Doctor Tasker emigrated to Canada in 1951 where he worked in northern Ontario before taking a position as a General Surgeon in Sarnia. He was Chief of Surgery and became Chief of Staff of the Sarnia General Hospital, earning the Queen's Jubilee Medal as an outstanding Canadian.Peter was an active naturalist as an executive of the Federation of Ontario Naturalists and also a Founder and first President of Lambton Wildlife Incorporated. Retiring to his home on Isthmus Bay, Bruce Peninsula, Peter was active in the local community and the Bruce Peninsula Environmental Group (BPEG). He recently published a book of poetry 'Earth Walks.'Dr. Tasker is survived by his wife Elizabeth Tasker, daughters Judith Tasker of France and Vanda Cooke (David) of Kitchener, brother Michael of Oregon, nephew John Tasker and niece Maria Kach, grandson Jeramy Cooke, granddaughter Amelia Webb and great grandchildren Maya and Jaden.In respect of Dr. Tasker's wishes, cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral home visitation or service. Arrangements entrusted to the GEORGE FUNERAL HOME, Wiarton. Memorial donations made to the new Across-Canada Trail Foundation would be appreciated by the family and may be made at acrosscanadatrails.blogspot.com Condolences may be sent to the family at www.georgefuneralhome.com. I would like to Send Condolences Back to Notices Home | History | Services | Our Facilities | Notices | Contact Us | Links