Obituary of Peter George Stone

We announce the passing of Peter, who passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the age of 89, surrounded by the people who loved him most. He took his first breath on the first day of spring in 1937, and his last breath on the first day of fall - the bookends to an incredible life and legacy.

Peter leaves behind his longtime partner and best friend, Doreen Marinovich; his daughter, Marnie (Adrian); his grandchildren, Sophia, Kurt, and Samantha; and his beloved great-granddaughter, Inaya. He is survived by his sister, Beverly (late Peter), and is predeceased by his parents, Harold and Edyth, and his brothers, Bob (Lilly) and David (Eneli). To his family, he was not simply Peter - he was Papa.

For over 50 years, Peter shared his life with Doreen - they simply loved being together. Doreen was by his side through every chapter, caring for him with incredible love and devotion and allowing him to remain comfortably at home until the very end, just as he wanted. Their relationship was a true friendship and an enduring love.

Being a father to Marnie was one of Peter's greatest joys. He loved her immensely and was endlessly proud of her strength, her heart, her accomplishments, and the life she built around her. That love extended to the many friends Marnie brought into his life; he welcomed them, looked out for them, made them laugh, bailed them out, and became a father figure to more people than he probably ever realized. To Marnie, he was a constant source of wisdom, humour, support, and unconditional love.

To Sophia, Kurt, and Samantha, Papa was a constant presence throughout their lives. Some of their most treasured memories are of boat trips, Sunday family dinners, and the swing he built for them in the backyard, which Inaya now uses. Even as they grew up, Papa was always there - ready to help with any task, offer advice, or spend time together.

He taught them most through the way he lived: to work hard, remain humble, be generous, treat people with kindness, and always find humour in life. He was their role model, their constant, and their example of what a truly good person looks like. They will spend the rest of their lives missing him and carrying what he taught them forward.

Peter was one of a kind - incredibly intelligent, with a quick mind, a killer wit, and a sense of humour that remained until the very end. He valued his friendships deeply, including many that lasted a lifetime. Until recently, he still met for morning coffee with his group of old boys at the boat club and loved having a beer with his best friend Barry Bailey — “Papa Bear” — who visited and checked on him regularly.

Peter dedicated much of his life to Stone's Office Supply, the family business that has been part of Sault Ste. Marie since 1927, having taken it over from his father, Harold. Work was part of the rhythm of his life. He came into the store every day until he physically couldn't anymore and was known affectionately for “never leaving Queen St.” It is difficult to imagine Stone's without him sitting in his chair, but his influence will remain in the business and the family carrying it forward.

Outside of work, Peter loved to golf and spent countless happy days at the Sault Ste. Marie Golf Club, where he was its longest-standing member. He loved boating, reading a good book, sharing a meal, having a beer, and spending time with the people closest to him. He found happiness in life's simplest moments.

His absence will be felt most in those ordinary moments - at Stone's, in familiar conversations and stories, and during weekend “coffee at Papa’s”, when everyone would gather to talk, laugh, catch up, and simply be together.

Peter's family extends a very special thank you to Maria, Marc and their team, Clayton at the Medicine Shoppe, Dr. Buehner, Jeff and Courtney from Bayshore, Eric, his occupational therapist, Shane from Medigas, and Lisa from Bayshore Timmins for the care and kindness they showed them. We are equally grateful to the family and friends who supported Peter and Doreen with meals, visits, kind words, encouragement and love throughout this difficult chapter.

A private family inurnment has taken place.

Arrangements entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre (942 Great Northern Rd, 705-945-7758). 
 

We were so lucky to have him for as long as we did, and even luckier to have been able to call him our Papa. He will be deeply missed, endlessly remembered, and forever loved.

It has been an absolute honour and a privilege to know him, to learn from him, and most of all, to love him.