Obituary of Peter Gerald Townsend

Peter Gerald TOWNSEND, MMM, CD – 87 of Moschelle, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, left this life in a most loving, gentle and peaceful manner on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Peter was born on October 12, 1935 in Stourport-On-Severn, Worcestershire England, the son of the late Ernest Townsend and Agnes Irene (Pearcey) Grist. 

Peter spent his early years in England and Wales. He then began his maritime career as a Boy Seamen with the British Merchant Navy in 1949 followed by several years with P&O lines as a steward. Peter then joined the British Royal Navy in 1953 as a Yeoman prior to transferring to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1958. The following 44-year career included numerous postings, both ship board and on shore. Peter was commissioned as an officer in 1969 and ultimately retired from the RCN in 2000 as a Lt. Commander.  

He is survived by his children Craig (Amy) and granddaughter Eleanor Townsend, Clemmons, North Carolina, Sarah (Mike) Wills, Reva, Virginia, and Michael (Jan) Townsend, Hailsham, England. He also leaves behind numerous family members in the UK, Australia, and Canada whom he cared for dearly. He was preceded by his infant son, Noel, and wife M. Ruth (Barteaux) Townsend. 

Peter was a well-known and dedicated member of several civic and volunteer organizations on a local, provincial and national level. These organizations included Scouts Canada, the Navy League of Canada, Cadets Canada, The Royal Canadian Legion, the Anglican Church of Canada, many Masonic bodies and community groups in Moschelle. Peter was also a Justice of the Peace Officer for the Province of Nova Scotia.  

In his retirement Peter travelled extensively for pleasure and to visit family, and when home in Moschelle enjoyed gardening on his hobby farm and selling the produce he grew at the Annapolis Royal Farmers Market.

Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of the Kaulbach Family Funeral Home, Annapolis Royal. Memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday from St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Annapolis Royal with Rev. Julia Ford officiating. A reception will follow at the Clementsport Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion where a Legion and Masonic Service will be held. 

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Navy League of Canada Cornwallis Branch in memory of Peter Townsend or please consider planting something in your garden in memory of Peter. On line condolences may be sent a www.kaulbachfamilyfuneralhome.com